Jess Bates calls time on SANFLW career

17 June, 2025

Glenelg Football Club’s most decorated SANFLW player, Jess Bates, will call time on her illustrious career at the end of the minor round. 

The exceptionally talented player, who has played 62 SANFLW matches, will finish her career after four years at Glenelg and a trophy cabinet full of silverware, which includes the 2022 Hostplus SANFLW League Best and Fairest award.

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 eight years old, 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 at 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.

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 said.

Bates won the flag alongside inaugural SANFLW Tiger Ellie Kellock and co-captain Sam Franson, both of whom have become key supporters of her 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,” she said.

“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.”

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.”

At the conclusion of the 2021 season, 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. That same year, 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.

Bates’ 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 significant 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.

“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 in Round 14 against West Adelaide on Saturday 5 July at Hisense Arena, her final match at Stratarama Stadium will be on Sunday against Sturt from 9.20am.