Forrest gets his big break

Forrest’s rise has been particularly impressive given his age, with Corowa-Rutherglen coach Sam Livingstone praising the defender’s development and the work he has put into his game.

“It’s come off a body of work from where he started to where he is now to where he’s going to be in three years’ time,” Livingstone said.

“It was pretty awesome getting a front-row seat as his backline coach this year and watching him develop.”

Forrest was named in the back pocket in the league’s team of the year side after producing a consistent season, establishing himself as one of the Ovens and Murray competition’s emerging defensive talents.

The youngster joins fellow former players who have donned the blue and white to go play in the SANFL.

His move to Adelaide comes after he gained an introduction to North Adelaide during 2026, featuring in one reserves game with the SANFL club.

North Adelaide senior coach Josh Francou said Forrest’s athleticism, aerial ability and character made him an exciting addition to the club’s playing list.

“A tall, rangy and athletic footballer, Tom possesses an impressive physical profile and plenty of upside,” Francou said.

“He competes strongly in the air and has an excellent ability to take a mark, making him an exciting prospect for the future.”

Forrest said he was grateful for the opportunity to join North Adelaide, having already spent time around the club and experienced its environment.

“After spending some time around the club and playing a reserves game last year, I knew it was an environment I’d love to be part of,” he said.

Livingstone believes the SANFL will provide an ideal environment for Forrest to continue developing, particularly given his ability to read the play and defend against quality opposition.

He also highlighted Forrest’s one-on-one defensive work, which proved a major strength throughout the season.

“His ability to defend one-on-one was outstanding. He had some pretty big jobs, between him and Tommy Longmire,” Livingstone said.

While the opportunity represents an exciting new chapter, Forrest acknowledged leaving Corowa-Rutherglen would be an emotional decision after the club and its wider community played such an important role in his development.

“Leaving Corowa-Rutherglen is bittersweet because the club, my teammates and the wider community have played such a big role in my development, and I’ll always be thankful for that support,” he said.

The opportunity to transfer his university studies to Adelaide ultimately helped seal the move, allowing Forrest to combine his education with the chance to test himself at a higher level.

Forrest said he was looking forward to embracing the challenge and contributing to the Roosters’ success.

“I can’t wait to get started, challenge myself at the next level and contribute to the success of the club,” he said.

Despite Forrest’s departure, Livingstone believes the defender’s best football is still ahead of him, pointing to his enormous potential and the years of development still to come.

“I think for people like Big Foz (Forrest), their best football probably isn’t until they’re 27, so he’s going to be a very dominant player for a long time,” Livingstone said.

Forrest’s move to North Adelaide marks a significant milestone for the young defender and another exciting opportunity for a Corowa-Rutherglen product to test himself on a bigger stage.