Frank’s full-circle path toward 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

North Adelaide livewire Frank Szekely is relishing his move back to where it began as a crumbing forward as he prepares for his 100th Hostplus SANFL League game on Saturday. 

Set to confront reigning premier Glenelg in his milestone match, Szekely has enjoyed reverting back to what he knows best while booting 27 goals from his 15 appearances in 2025.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 25-year-old has a freakish ability to be at the drop of the ball before using his exceptional speed and evasive skills to regularly find himself on the highlight reels.

In between his time inside 50m at the each end of his footy journey, the Roosters’ fan favourite lit up the wing with his blistering pace and ability to carry the ball across lines by having a bounce before delivering to his forward line.

Originally from the Central Augusta Football Club in Port Augusta, Szekely felt destined to don the red and white after idolising his brothers Kriston and Wade Thompson, who also represented the Roosters at League level.

Szekely hailed the guidance provided to him from the pair, who also helped him overcome severe homesickness when he relocated to board at Sacred Heart College in Adelaide in 2017.

Proud to become just the second First Nations player – after Greg McAdam – to reach triple figures at Prospect, North’s No.16 progressed through the junior ranks at North before playing in the club’s 2018 Reserves premiership.

He then followed coach Jacob Surjan up to be a League regular soon after with his eye-catching traits exciting the Roosters’ faithful on a regular basis.

A representative of the West End State team, the disability support worker retains hope of one day having a chance to shine at elite level having previously been invited to test at the AFL State Combine.