Adelaide Crows wretched run of luck at the AFL draft continues as Fischer McAsey quits the sport

The Adelaide Crows have been rocked ahead of the 2023 AFL season after promising young defender Fischer McAsey announced he was stepping away from the sport for good.

The 21-year-old was the second-highest draft pick in Crows history after being selected by the South Australian club at number 6 in 2019.

He had played 10 AFL games and was promoted for great things to come, but after being on personal leave since last 2022, he announced that his heart was no longer in it.

Fischer McAsey of the Crows flies past teammate Taylor Walker and Peter Wright of the Suns during the 2020 Marsh Community Series

“Unfortunately, I have lost much of the enjoyment and desire to improve that is required to reach the highest level,” McAsey said in a club statement.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision to make, and I have not taken it lightly, but through discussions with close friends and family, the club and my management, I feel it is the right decision for my long term.” future and well-being.

I am very grateful to the club for their support and for allowing me time to reflect on where I want to go from here.

There have been a great number of people who have worked very hard on my development as a player and a person, and for that I am very grateful.

‘Not everyone will understand the decision, but I am comfortable with the path I am taking and excited about the ability to pursue other interests.

“I will always be grateful to the Crows for giving me the chance to live out a childhood dream, and I wish everyone at the club the very best for 2023 and beyond.”

The loss of the young star is the last thing the Crows need as the club look to return to the AFL finals for the first time since 2017.

It also continues a worrying trend of top 10 draft picks not living up to their potential in the Crows, with only departing superstar Patrick Dangerfield playing more than 100 AFL games.

Laurence Angwin did not play a single game for Adelaide before moving to Carlton, where he was sacked in 2004 for testing positive for ecstasy, a recreational drug.

John Meesen managed just two games in three seasons for Adelaide before moving to Melbourne Demons where he played just four games in three years before being delisted and moving to a development coaching role.

Phil Davis struggled to break through the Ravens side after being selected at No. 10 in 2008 following a shoulder injury early in his career, eventually moving to GWS after just 18 games for Adelaide.

While the loss of McAsey will be unpleasant news for the Crows, Adelaide’s head of football Adam Kelly said the club respects his decision.

“The well-being of our players is always our top priority and while we are naturally disappointed to see Fischer walk away, we understand the reasons behind his decision and there is so much more to life than football,” Kelly said.

“We fully support his request for personal leave in November and have been in regular communication with both Fischer and his management over the past two months.

“We respect his decision and would like to thank him for his contribution, he will always be welcome at our club.”