South Adelaide Football Club announces that Senior Coach Jarrad Wright will lead the Panthers for the final time this Saturday against Port Adelaide at Alberton, following his decision to step down as Senior Coach.

Wright has served the Club with unwavering dedication since his appointment in 2018.

Earlier this season, he surpassed Haydn Bunton Jnr as the longest serving coach in the Club’s 150 year history, and was also recognised as a SANFL Player and Coach Life Member, a testament to his impact on the game and the organisation.

Across his tenure, Wright has been a central figure in shaping South Adelaide’s football program.

His commitment to player development, strong leadership, and focus on building a resilient and united culture have been hallmarks of his time at the helm.

Under his guidance, the Panthers reached consecutive preliminary finals in 2020 and 2021, while several players progressed to AFL ranks, including Jason Horne-Francis, Matt Roberts, Beau McCreery, Sid Draper, Tom Highmore, Paul Hunter and Nathan Kreuger.

South Adelaide President Geoff Baynes expressed the Board’s gratitude for Jarrad’s contribution and influence across the football department.

"Jarrad’s professionalism, care for players, and commitment to the Club have left a lasting legacy." Said Baynes

"We thank him for his tireless work and wish him, Jade, Ollie, Finn and Alby all the very best for the next chapter."

Jarrad Wright said the decision had been made after considerable reflection.

"This decision has not come lightly. After a great deal of reflection, I believe stepping away is the best path forward for both me and the football club." Said Wright

"Whilst we have not achieved the ultimate goal, I’m very proud of the highlights and success we have achieved over the journey in reaching 2 prelim finals and seeing many players develop and reach the highest level."

"Most importantly I believe the past few years of hard work and foundations laid with developing a youngest list in the comp will set the long term success criteria for the club moving forward."

"The past nine years have been incredibly special for me and my family, and I’ll always be grateful to have been given the opportunity to coach this proud football club.”

The Club will announce further details about the interim coaching arrangements and the process for appointing the next League Coach in due course.