Former Gold Coast Sun Jez McLennan will play in the SANFL for Port Adelaide in 2025. Image: Matt Sampson.

Former AFL-listed player Jez McLennan will join Port Adelaide’s SANFL list in 2025, boosting the side’s defensive and midfield stocks. 

McLennan comes to Alberton from Central District, with the SANFL’s new list guidelines allowing AFL clubs to sign up to four players aged 21 or over. 

The 24-year-old earned the Fos Williams Medals on two occasions this year while playing for South Australia, given to the player adjudged best on ground in a state game. 

McLennan finished with 24 disposals and eight marks in the SANFL’s win over the VFL in April, and followed up with 25 disposals and seven marks in a 63-point thumping of the WAFL six weeks later. 

McLennan was a first round draft pick in 2018. Image: Matt Sampson.

With four years in an elite environment after being drafted by the Gold Coast in 2018, McLennan will bring valuable experience from the AFL space. 

He played 31 VFL and 14 NEAFL games for the Suns before returning to Centrals to play SANFL football over the last two seasons.  

The intercepting defender averaged 18.3 disposals, 5.5 marks and 3.3 tackles for the Bulldogs in 2024, and was named at half-back in The Advertiser’s SANFL team of the year. 

McLennan was excited for the opportunity to join a new club. 

“Playing for Port Adelaide is something I’ve been thinking about for a little while, and I’m excited that it’s now becoming a reality. 

“I still believe I’ve got what it takes to be on an AFL list again, and being involved with an AFL club will give me the best possible opportunity to put my best foot forward. 

“Port Adelaide is a very accomplished club that has so much history behind it in the SANFL, so I can’t wait to get started and hopefully help move the group forward next year.” 

McLennan won the Fos Williams Medal on two occasions in 2024. Image: AFL Photos.

Port Adelaide’s Head of SANFL Paul Stewart was pleased to welcome McLennan to the club. 

“Jez is a talented and versatile player who will add important depth and consistency to our group,” Stewart said. 

“He can play back and through the midfield and has clear leadership traits, so he will provide great support to our captain and young players. 

“Importantly, Jez is a quality person who will fit really well into our program. 

“The new rules for AFL clubs are a welcome change to help us build a stronger list and to ultimately become more competitive while we are still participating in the SANFL.”