SNELLING, Will

Will Snelling was drafted by Port Adelaide in the 2016 Rookie draft, but only managed one game for the Power, and was delisted at the end of the 2018 season. After being overlooked by all clubs at the 2018 AFL Draft, Snelling played for West Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League.

He was subsequently selected by Essendon in the 2019 mid-season rookie draft with pick 7 and made his debut in round 18 against Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. He played in the Bombers' next two games against Gold Coast and his former club, Port Adelaide, before he suffered foot soreness and lost his position in the senior side.

He established himself in Essendon’s best side in 2020, missing only one game and finishing ninth in the Club’s Best and Fairest Award. He signed a one-year contract extension for 2021 at the end of the 2020 season. He had an even more successful year in 2021, playing 20 games and finishing third in the Crichton Medal.

He only managed eight games in 2022 but returned to better form in 2023. To the surprise of all, he was delisted at the end of the season, despite having played 15 games that year.

Snelling returned to the SANFL in 2024, signing with Sturt Football Club. He had immediate success and won the 2024 Magarey Medal as the best and fairest player in the SANFL (tied with Harry Boyd of Norwood).

Draft history:  #10 (2016 Rookie Draft by Port Adelaide), #20 (2019 Mid-season Draft by Essendon).