Jess Bates to finish SANFLW career in 2025

Glenelg Football Club’s most decorated SANFLW player, Jess Bates, will call time on her illustrious career this July. 

The exceptionally talented player will finish her career after a devoted 4-years at the Bays, with 50+ games to her name and trophy cabinet full of silverware.

Bates’ decision follows extensive reflection and a readiness to begin a new chapter in her life with her partner, Karl.

“Football has given me so much – incredible friendships, opportunities, and memories I’ll cherish forever,” said Bates. “I’m proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve, but even more so of the people I’ve had beside me throughout the journey. I’m especially grateful to the Glenelg Football Club for their belief in me and the culture we’ve built together.”

Bates’ football journey began at North Haven Football Club at age 8, following in the footsteps of her older brother.

After a 10-year break — due to the limited opportunities available for young girls in football at the time — Bates joined SMOSH Football Club in West Lakes. She played there for 12 months before taking the advice of teammates and Glenelg alumni, Kendall and Sheridan Howell, to join the SANFLW in 2020.

GFCW Head Coach at the time, Jason Fairall, had also coached Bates’ partner Karl as a junior – the support from family and Fairall meant Bates’ introduction to the Bays was encouraging and proved to become a strong foundation for a fantastic career.

Two seasons later, Bates took the field at Thebarton Oval for what would become Glenelg Football Club’s first SANFLW premiership.

“I think it got to the last quarter, and we were up by two goals, and I remember thinking, Oh God, we’ve done it.“

Bates won the flag alongside inaugural SANFLW player Ellie Kellock and co-captain Sam Franson, both of whom have become key supporters of Bates during her time at the Bays.

“I haven’t felt anything like it since, it’s definitely one of my fondest memories of being a footballer”

“The 2021 grand final is the best memory I have had, nothing will top winning a premiership with your mates. It’s exciting that Kellock (Ellie), and Sammy (Sam Franson), are still here and I can play alongside them still.” Bates said.

The career of Jess Bates didn’t slow after reaching the milestone of becoming a SANFLW premiership player — if anything, it solidified her status as the best player in the competition and fueled her momentum toward the big leagues.

Bates credits her increased fitness and elite abilities to the opportunities that the 2021 coronavirus lockdown gave her during her free time.

“We had a three-month break in the middle of our season, and I think that was the moment I really started to focus on my fitness. I put my head down and got to work — and it kind of paid off in the end.”

Pay off it did indeed. At the conclusion of the 2021 season, amidst premiership celebrations, Bates was crowned Club Champion at Glenelg Football Club’s awards night.

Twelve months later, Bates secured her place at the top once again, winning the Club Champion award for a second consecutive year — clearing first place by more than 60 points. That same year, despite the Bays’ unfortunate loss in the preliminary final, Bates was rewarded for yet another standout season. She claimed the 2022 Hostplus SANFLW League Best and Fairest Award, along with the Kia Coaches Award and selection in The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year.

Batesy gutsy tackling and dominant midfield presence was recognised by the other states soon after her 2022 success, providing her with an opportunity to explore possibilities at Collingwood VFL.

Whilst her time at Collingwood was short, her impact on the competition was just as signficant as her position in the SANFLW history books. Bates returned home to South Australia having won Collingwood’s VFLW Best and Fairest by a whopping 137 votes. Bates’ season saw her lead in disposals (453), kick (267), and handballs (186), and fall just short of a VFLW premiership.

Bates welcome back to the Bays was exciting for the Club, and for her.

“I think this (Glenelg) has always been home to me. They’ve supported me throughout my whole four years in the SANFL before coming back, and it was always in the back of my mind to come back here and retire.”

Bates shared the news of her retirement to her team and coaches on Monday evening.

“We are privileged to have seen Jess in her prime as an outstanding footballer. She leaves a legacy on not just our football club, but on the SANFLW competition as one of the best players we have ever seen at this level. We are a better team and better people thanks to Jess’s influence and impact.” Glenelg Women’s Senior Coach Talia Radan said.

“It’s important that we honour what Batesy has done, not only for our club, but the broader competition. I am not biased when I say that you are the best player since the league’s inception.”

Bates’ final game will be an emotional farewell for fans, teammates and the broader SANFL community. We encourage all fans to celebrate Batesy this weekend, as she plays at home for the final time, and again for her official farewell in the final match of the season. (Round 14 v West Adelaide, Hisense Stadium – Saturday 5th July)

The Glenelg Football Club playing group, coaches, Board, staff, and members would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Jess Bates for her incredible contribution to our Club and the competition. We wish her nothing-short of the very best on her next chapter in life.