Jordann’s new journey

7 May 2026

By ALEXANDRA BULL

Go with the flow.

That’s one of the things new mum, former South Adelaide SANFLW captain Jordan Rugless (nee Hickey), is learning as she navigates parenthood.

Her son Jed was born four months ago, with Jordann explaining that she is learning to adjust and adapt as a first-time parent with her husband, Harry.

“(Before Jed) I was definitely a more structured person; I like my routines,” Jordann said.

“Having little Jed has taught me about going with the flow, and that sometimes it doesn’t work out and that’s okay, you just adapt and go with it.”

Jordann, who started playing football in 2013 in her hometown of Alice Springs, joined the Panthers in 2021 before switching to Woodville-West Torrens in 2022.

But the pull back to the navy blue and white was too strong for the Redtails Pinktails player, who made the move back to South ahead of the 2023 season.

The midfielder, who was crowned Best-on-Ground in the 2024 Hostplus SANFLW League Grand Final, described becoming a mum for the first time as “exciting”.

“It was a bit of a journey in the sense that I was very excited to be pregnant, and then when I had my baby it was a bit of a shock to the system at the start, but now I love every moment of it, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Jordann said.

“Jed is definitely very cheeky and a bit stubborn, but he gets that from me,” Jordann mused. “It’s very exciting to see him come into his own person and the cheeky personality coming out, we just adore him.”

Becoming a mum whilst still playing SANFLW has also made Jordann want to inspire the next generation.

“I just want to show that it doesn’t matter that you’ve become a mother or what’s happening in your life, you’ve still got football and you can return to the game,” Jordann said.

“Being a parent doesn’t stop you from achieving your goals or what you want to do.

“You’re being a role model for your children, but also younger players in the competition. It shows that it doesn’t stop you because you’ve become a mum.”

As for when she will make her return to the field, the former captain isn’t putting any timelines on it.

“We are a good side; we have got quality players. I know it’s a big ask to get my body right, but also in that I just want to listen to my body and make sure it is right and ready to go,” Jordann said.

South Adelaide will host Sturt on Sunday (Mother’s Day) at Magain Stadium from 11am.