The Adelaide Crows have completed a thorough review of its football department with a number of changes taking place.
The review was brought upon because of a decline in on-field performance over the past two years. The board appointed a panel of external consultants led by Australian Football Hall of Fame member Jason Dunstall, who was joined by former AFL great Matthew Pavlich and high-performance experts Jonah Oliver and Dr Tim Gabbett.
Brett Burton and Scott Camporeale are the key names that headline the following departures and changes from the Crows' football department:
- a change to the leadership of the football department with Head of Football Brett Burton to depart the Club
- a change to the coaching structure with Senior Assistant Coach Scott Camporeale to also leave the organisation after spending nine years in the coaching department
- the creation of a new position, Head of Leadership and Culture, to deliver a new player leadership program across all areas of the football department, including AFL and AFLW
- some small changes within the high-performance department to enhance role clarity and communication between staff, coaches and players
A series of other minor changes will be made across the football department that is expected with a normal end of year review process.
Along with these changes as previously reported, Don Pyke stepped away from the role of senior coach and Taylor Walker has given up the captaincy after five years. Both of those decisions weren't related to the review, but together with the above, represent big changes at the Crows.
Chairman Rob Chapman thanked Camporeale and Burton for their significant contributions over their tenure.
“People talk about the Club and the human side is often forgotten and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of both Scott and Brett, who are quality people with a great deal to offer the AFL if they choose to continue in the industry,” Chapman said in a statement.
“We have made some hard decisions and are transitioning into a new era, and rejuvenating what is already a talented playing list so we can hopefully achieve the ultimate success.”
The Crows are expected to appoint a new senior coach within a week followed by any changes including the appointment of a new Head of Football and Head of Leadership and Culture, which will be made following the announcement of the new senior coach.