Hayden Sampson and Arlo Draper to Step Back from SANFL Football in 2025

The South Adelaide Football Club wishes to announce that Hayden Sampson and Arlo Draper will not be participating in the 2025 Hostplus SANFL League Season. 

Both players have expressed a desire to pursue opportunities outside of football, which has impacted their ability to meet the commitments required for SANFL-level competition.

Senior Coach Jarrad Wright while disappointed not to have the duo return was also understanding.

“Hayden is a much-loved member of our club, and his absence will be deeply felt. He has been a consistent performer at the League level over several years, and we believe his best football is still ahead of him. We’ve had open and positive discussions with Hayden, and he knows our doors are always open for his return.”

“Arlo, after transitioning from an AFL list, faced some challenges this year but greatly appreciated the support the club provided, including the chance to play alongside his brother, Sid. He now feels it’s the right time to take a step back from football. We respect his decision and wish him well.”

Both Sampson and Draper will remain connected to the club, with ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of life outside of football. 

Since debuting in 2018, Sampson has played 106 League matches and achieved notable accolades, including finishing second in the Knuckey Cup in 2024.

Draper, after his initial SANFL debut in 2021, was drafted to Collingwood before returning to South Adelaide in 2024, where he played 12 League games.

The club thanks both players for their contributions and looks forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.