The South Australian Cricket Association would like to thank Conor McInerney and Daniel Drew for their commitment and contributions to the men’s program, following the decision not to offer the pair contract extensions for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Both players played pivotal roles in etching South Australian cricket into the record books. Opener Conor McInerney helped end the state’s 29 year Sheffield Shield title drought in the 2024/25 season, while Daniel Drew was instrumental in South Australia’s One Day Cup triumph that same year.
McInerney registered his maiden first class century against Queensland in March last year, just weeks before the two sides met again in the Sheffield Shield Final.
After a breakout Premier Cricket season in 2016/17, Drew earned his first state contract and went on to make his Sheffield Shield debut in 2019.
The 29-year-old reached a career milestone in 2023, producing an impressive maiden first class century with an unbeaten 208 against Western Australia.
Batsman Thomas Kelly has also advised the South Australian Cricket Association of his decision to take a step back from full time cricket at this stage.
While he will be missed, we fully respect his decision and wish him every success moving forward.
Harry Matthias and Aidan Cahill have also been informed that they won’t be upgraded from rookies to the senior list next season.
Due to their age, both players are ineligible for rookie contracts next season.
South Australian head coach Ryan Harris wished all five players the best.
“I want to thank Conor, Daniel, Thomas, Harry and Aidan for their contributions to South Australian cricket, both on and off the field,” he said.
“Each of them has played an important role in shaping our squad, driving our standards and contributing to our success in recent seasons.”
“We thank them sincerely and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.”