North Adelaide forward Frank Szekely says his dream of playing AFL football is still very much alive – and reaching his 100th SANFL League game has only strengthened his determination.

The 25-year-old brought up the triple-figure milestone in the Roosters' narrow loss to Glenelg at Prospect Oval last weekend, becoming just the second First Nations player to reach 100 games for North Adelaide, following in the footsteps of Greg McAdam.

Despite being overlooked in this year's AFL Mid-Season Draft, Szekely still harbors ambitions of playing at the elite level.

"I am still chasing that dream of playing AFL," he told SANFL Radio.

"It's just a matter of hopefully getting that opportunity, I just have to do my bit and hopefully just keep playing my role for the team and playing good footy.

"If the opportunity came up I'd definitely grab it with both hands, that's been my dream since I was a young boy."

Known for his electric pace and evasive skills, Szekely has been a key contributor for the Roosters in 2025, kicking 27 goals from 15 games so far this season.

He said that he was honoured to finally reach the 100-game milestone and described the occasion as a "pretty special" achievement.

"I am the second Aboriginal player to play 100 games at the North Adelaide Football Club, (so) it's pretty special," he said.

Originally from the Central Augusta Football Club in Port Augusta, Szekely grew up idolising his brothers Kriston and Wade Thompson, who also wore the red and white at league level.

"I've got a bit of family history at the club with both my older brothers playing there," he said.

"They were my idols growing up – very good role models for me.

"They set the standard pretty high for me growing up – I remember I used to go and watch the North Adelaide Roosters play as a young boy, to watch Kriston and Wade play.

"I guess I was always destined to play for them as well."

Szekely was part of the club's 2018 reserves premiership before cementing his spot as a league regular under coach Jacob Surjan.

While most damaging as a small forward, he has also impressed on the wing, using his speed to break lines and deliver the ball deep inside 50.

A fan favourite at Prospect, he also pulled on the state jumper this year – an achievement he cherishes.

"That was a really good experience, I am pretty proud of that," he said. "

I still have my jumpers here (and) I'll probably get them framed up one day."