Jarrad Wright Appointed as South Adelaide's Next Senior Coach

Wright Man for the Job: Former Panther Jarrad Wright will lead South Adelaide's charges in 2018 after being appointed as senior coach. Image: South Adelaide Media

South Adelaide is delighted to announce Jarrad Wright has been appointed as the Panthers next senior coach, after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Club.

Following the interview process, Wright stood out to the selection committee as a high calibre candidate to lead the Club to a sustained period of success. A decision which was ratified by the South Adelaide Football Club Board of Directors.

"Jarrad brings an impressive resume of coaching experience and wealth of SANFL knowledge to the senior coaching role, with extensive involvement in the game as both a player and coach," said Panthers Chief Executive Officer, Neill Sharpe.

"In his time within the coaching ranks, Jarrad has enjoyed premiership success in a variety of roles and holds a significant track record of sustained finals success in an assortment of coaching environments.

"Jarrad is also familiar with the surrounds at Hickinbotham Oval, having previously spent four seasons with us as a player and two as a coach.

"The Club believes his familiarity with the current playing group will allow him to hit the ground running for a successful preseason and have us well prepared for the 2018 season and beyond."

Upon entering the coach's box, Wright led Woodville-West Torrens Reserves to consecutive premierships in 2013 and 2014, while also working under Michael Godden as a line coach for senior finals campaigns in each year of his involvement.

Following his time with the Eagles, Wright spent two seasons as midfield coach during Bradley Gotch's tenure with South Adelaide, including the 2016 finals series.

Most recently, Wright steered Henley Sharks to the SAAFL Division Two premiership in his first season at the helm only one year removed from their relegation from Division One.

Speaking on his appointment, Wright declared he was excited to take the next step in his coaching career and eager to get back to work with the current playing group.

"Firstly, thank you to the Club and the Board for their backing and allowing me to take this opportunity. I am very excited to be handed the role at South Adelaide," said Wright.

"It is certainly a big step forward in my career, but one I am really enthusiastic about taking.

"Obviously I played a fair bit of SANFL football with South Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens and have also coached at both Clubs. I experienced some great success with the Eagles, winning back-to-back premierships with the Reserves.

"It certainly gives me great confidence having a pre-existing relationship with the Club itself, but also having experienced some success in my coaching career so far gives me some conviction in what I can do."

Also a talented player, Wright was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 35 of the 2001 AFL National Draft after leading South Australia's Under-18s. He spent two years on Brisbane's list through their premiership successes of the early 2000s under the tutelage of the great Leigh Matthews.

Wright's playing career also includes over 100 Senior State League games with South Adelaide, Woodville-West Torrens (SANFL) and the Brisbane Lions (QAFL) and an Under-17s premiership with the Eagles.

Jarrad Wright

• Head Coach Henley Sharks (Premiers 2017)
• Midfield Coach South Adelaide (2015 - 2016)
• Head Coach Reserves Woodville-West Torrens (2012 - 2014, Premiers 2013 & 2014)
• Assistant Midfield Coach Woodville-West Torrens (2012 - 2014)
• Senior Player Henley Sharks (2011)
• Senior Player Woodville-West Torrens (2008 - 2010)
• Senior Player South Adelaide (2004 -  2007)
• Senior Player Brisbane Lions (2002 -  2003)
• Junior Player Woodville-West Torrens (2000 - 2001, Premiers 2000)