The 7:30 PM trade deadline wasn’t the only cutoff time Finnbar Maley faced on October 15. As his alarm buzzed, Maley, a cult figure in the AFL, was not just battling to keep his dream alive with the Adelaide Crows; he was also racing against time to complete a psychology assignment due that same evening.
Maley, who had not yet received a contract offer from North Melbourne for 2026, was unexpectedly traded just after 4 PM on the final day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period. By the time he managed to respond to the flurry of messages and calls, it was nearly 10:30 PM, coinciding with the submission of a critical paper on self-determination theory, worth 40% of his grade. With only one subject left to complete his degree at RMIT University, Maley’s deadline day was nothing short of historic.
“I was literally halfway through my assignment when I found out the news,” Maley told AFL.com.au. “I had to finish it after the trade went through, which was crazy because I had a million text messages and a million calls, it was just ridiculous.”
The Trade That Shocked the AFL
In a month that saw 27 players traded, including 12 on deadline day, Maley’s move was among the most unexpected. Despite debuting this year and playing seven senior games off the rookie list, North Melbourne couldn’t guarantee him a spot for 2026. The emergence of Cooper Trembath, a raw key forward, tightened the list spots.
Adelaide had shown interest as early as September. Crows list manager Justin Reid and national recruiting boss Hamish Ogilvie had been tracking Maley throughout the winter. They met with him before he embarked on a month-long trip to New Zealand. It was during his travels in Milford Sound that Maley had a pivotal Zoom call with Adelaide’s coach Matthew Nicks and coaching director Murray Davis.
Upon returning to Melbourne, Maley was uncertain about his future. “I just wasn’t sure if the Crows were going to wait for me to get delisted and then pick me up as an SSP. It was unclear what North were doing with my contract,” Maley explained.
“I had to call Brady Rawlings and say, ‘I know this is a bit sudden, but you’ve left me hanging for the second year in a row. I’ve definitely shown that I’ve developed and I’m only just getting started, so I want to go somewhere where I feel more valued.'” – Finnbar Maley
From Basketball to AFL: Maley’s Unique Path
Maley’s journey from obscurity to the AFL is as unique as his nickname, ‘Moose,’ and his distinctive moustache. After transitioning from basketball to football later than most, he impressed with the Northern Bullants and caught the attention of the Kangaroos, who drafted him in 2023 following a standout performance in the Northern Football League Grand Final.
While pursuing his psychology degree, Maley initially aimed to become a psychologist. However, his focus has shifted towards mindfulness and mental health in schools. The degree provided a crucial outlet during a season filled with uncertainty.
“Not knowing about a contract for 2026 sucked,” Maley quipped. “Having uni was something else to focus on. I’ve also been in the workforce previously as a scaffolder and doing NDIS support work.”
A Family Legacy in Sports
Finnbar Maley is not the first in his family to have connections with North Melbourne and Adelaide. His father, Paul ‘The Mailman’ Maley, had an illustrious career in the National Basketball League, winning a championship with the North Melbourne Giants in 1994 and later playing for the Adelaide 36ers. Finnbar’s siblings were born in South Australia during Paul’s tenure with the 36ers, further cementing the family’s ties to the region.
“It’s strange how many people I know here through my old man,” Maley said. “I’ve got really good family friends here that I grew up with, and my best mate is a diehard Crows fan.”
The Road Ahead: A New Chapter with Adelaide
Now, as Maley embarks on his first pre-season with the Crows, he is determined to extend his professional career beyond the one-year deal he signed. Former Crows star Tom Lynch, who coached him at the Kangaroos’ reserves, has been instrumental in his development.
“There is so much for me to work on, but I absolutely believe in myself,” Maley expressed. “The development I’ve made in two years is incredible. Moving out of my comfort zone has only increased my desire to make a long-term career as a footballer.”
“For me, it’s about time and work. The Crows have been amazing in showing me their standard of professionalism. With all that in mind, I think I can make it.” – Finnbar Maley
Maley will face stiff competition at Adelaide, starting behind established players like Taylor Walker and Riley Thilthorpe. However, his unique blend of athleticism and determination, coupled with his academic pursuits, makes him a player to watch in 2026. The psychology student with the best moustache in footy is ready to add another chapter to his fascinating life.
