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Adelaide youngster Fischer McAsey won’t be returning to the club in 2023, with the 21-year old making the decision to walk away from the AFL.
McAsey had already been granted personal leave by the Crows over the Christmas period, remaining in Melbourne with family.
A statement released by club and player on Monday confirmed his departure, with McAsey saying it was ‘an extremely difficult decision’ and citing a loss of passion to play at the highest level.
“Unfortunately, I have lost a lot of the enjoyment and desire to improve which is required to make it at the top level,” McAsey said.
“It has been an extremely difficult decision to come to, and one that I haven’t taken lightly, but through discussions with close friends and family, the Club and my management, I feel that it is the right decision for my long term future and well-being.
“I am very grateful to the Club for their support and allowing me some time to reflect on where I want to be moving forward.
“There has been a large number of people who have worked very hard on my development as a player and person, and for that I’m highly appreciative.
“Not everyone will understand the decision, but I’m comfortable with the path that I’m headed, and am excited by the ability to pursue other interests.
“I will always be thankful to the Crows for giving me the opportunity to live out a boyhood dream, and I wish everyone at the Club the best for 2023 and beyond.”
Fischer McAsey of the Crows and Eric Hipwood of the Lions challenge for the ball. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Taken with pick 6 in the 2019 national draft, McAsey was at the time the Crows’ highest ever draft pick, a record since beaten by 2020 pick 2 Riley Thilthorpe and matched by 2021 pick 6 Josh Rachele.
However, McAsey was unable to add to his 10 career games after the end of 2020, and was regularly linked to several Victorian clubs.
He signed a two-year contract extension during 2021.
“The welfare of our players is always our top priority and while we are naturally disappointed to see Fischer step away, we understand the reasons behind his decision and there is much more to life than football,” Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly said in a statement.
“We were fully supportive of his request for personal leave in November and remained in regular communication with both Fischer and his management during the past two months.
“We respect his decision and we would like to thank him for his contribution, and he will always be welcome at our Club.”
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