Contracted Port Adelaide defender released by club: ‘I have more to offer’

Port Adelaide have released contract defender Tom Clury from the club to pursue other opportunities.

The 30-year-old had a year to play out his contract at Alberton but has fallen out of favor, playing just one senior game in the last two seasons.

Clury confirmed that he intends to continue his career elsewhere.

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“I enjoyed my time at Port Adelaide but now it’s time to move on and see what other opportunities exist for me to pursue a career in the AFL,” Clury said.

“Over the last 12 months the club has moved in a different direction with its defensive structure and personnel.

“Even though I understand that, I still feel like I have more to offer.”

Clury has made 124 appearances for the Power since being selected 29th overall in the 2012 draft.

Coach Ken Hinckley thanked the defender for his efforts.

“Tom came to Port Adelaide as part of my first draft as a coach,” Hinckley said.

“We saw him as a player who could give us defensive flexibility and he has done more of that in his 124-game career.

“There was never much fuss with Tom, and he didn’t seek everyone’s attention. He simply did his job and rarely let us down, often competing against much bigger strikers.

“We thank him for his time and wish him and his young family all the best for their future plans.”

Clury was one of five players released by Port Adelaide, joining Quinton Narkle, Francis Evans, Tom Scully and Kyle Marshall.

The delisted free agent window opens on November 1 and could give Clury and others another route back into the AFL.