The delisted Crow eager for another AFL opportunity

Delisted Crow Lachlan Sholl is determined to return to AFL football.

After 79 games across eight years with Adelaide, the Crows opted against offering Sholl a contract ahead of the 2027 season, having spent the entire ’26 season in the SANFL.

However, Sholl believes he has plenty more to give.

Taken with Pick 64 in the 2018 National Draft, the elite running outside mid provided a return far beyond expectations, particularly in the early stages of his career.

Earning two Rising Star nominations across late 2020 and early 2021, Sholl rapidly grew into one of the Crows’ most prolific ball users, racking up 24 disposals in just his seventh game before a 31-disposal outing in his 12th.

Unfortunately for Sholl, with significant recruitment in similar positions, the Crow fell out of favour within the senior setup.

“Over the last week or two I’ve had a bit of a chance to reflect and have a think about my time over at Adelaide,” Sholl told SEN SA Breakfast.

“I absolutely loved it. Eight years in the end, nearly 80 games… in terms of the football side of things, if you told me it would have gone like that I would have been absolutely stoked.

“On top of that, the relationships you build in that time in footy as well probably far outweighs that to be honest.

“I walk away with lifelong mates and connections, so that’s something that I think is invaluable. As I reflect, it’s all really positive.”

Despite excelling in 2024, playing 20 games, averaging 21 disposals and finishing 10th in the club’s best and fairest, Sholl only managed five games in 2025.

Without managing to break into the senior side at all in 2026, the writing was on the wall.

“Throughout the year, you do get an idea,” Sholl said.

“I hadn’t played for the whole year, so I think personally the writing was on the wall going in, which, in a weird way, I think somewhat prepared me for it a little bit better than what I otherwise might have.

“I just went in there, they obviously say thanks for everything but we’re not going to offer you a contract. I pretty well just said my thank you’s and that was it.

“It’s one of those things that you do get a bit of a feeling going in. It happens every year, it’s all a part of it.”

Although he wasn’t able to crack into the senior setup in 2026, Sholl made the most of his opportunities in the SANFL, averaging 23 disposals at over 90 per cent efficiency in an Adelaide side that failed to make finals.

And while opportunities have been few and far between, he certainly isn’t giving up on his career at AFL level.

“I would love to (return to AFL footy),” he said.

“I would love another opportunity in any capacity. In terms of opportunities, that will all play out over the next few weeks.

“I think I still have a lot to offer at AFL level and would certainly want to keep going if the opportunity was there.

“At the same time, I think I’m very fortunate with my time in footy. Whatever happens, happens, I’ll make a move and take it as it comes.”

With plans to return to Melbourne, son of former Blue Brett and nephew to two-time premiership Kangaroo Craig is remaining open to whatever opportunities arise.

“I think I’ll move back to Melbourne, purely because growing up there I have a lot of family and friends.

“My partner is from Melbourne too – that’s sort of the main pull back to Melbourne - to be honest, if everyone was in Adelaide I’d absolutely love to stay.

“I think that’s the plan at the moment, and we will obviously figure out what’s next from a football perspective, employment and whatnot.

“I’ve moved most of my stuff back to Melbourne, I’ll settle back into Melbourne life and figure out what’s next.”

Former Adelaide premiership captain and SEN SA Breakfast co-host Mark Bickley couldn’t speak higher of Sholl, having spent time with the 26-year-old during his time at the Crows.

“Fabulous young man,” Bickley said.

“You know how you cross paths with people – you go down to training or some opportunities with some father-son stuff, activations where your kids are down there…

“He is just a delightful young man. Eight years, 79 games, didn’t quite work out with the absolute longevity that he was looking for.

“Played 20 games in 2024 and 16 in 2023 but only five in 2025 and none this year, so the last few years have been lean pickings.

“A couple of people have come into the side – Brayden Cook is probably the one that plays his position along with James Peatling, Isaac Cumming and Alex Neal-Bullen.

“He played some good footy in the SANFL, so we’ll keep an eye on Lachie and see where he lands.”

Listen to the full interview with Mark Bickley and Jarrod Walsh on SEN SA Breakfast below: