Adelaide has strengthened its AFLW coaching panel by appointing recently retired defender Jack Hombsch as its new Head of Development.
 
The 28-year-old South Australian arrives at West Lakes after a 116-game career with GWS, Port Adelaide and most recently Gold Coast where he announced his retirement in August.
 
Throughout his career, Hombsch was renowned as a reliable and courageous defender and while at the Suns he worked closely with their young and emerging players. 
 
Off the field, he was recognised in 2017 for his outstanding community work and leadership within the AFL industry when he was awarded the prestigious Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
 
Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said Hombsch’s strong football knowledge and his character would enhance the program. 
 
“Jack comes into our program having been a 10-year player in the AFL system at three clubs, so he will bring a wealth of experience to our group,” Harper said.
 
“He comes with outstanding references from people who have worked with him in the AFL system and we look forward to welcoming him in as part of our Crows AFLW family.”
 
Harper said Hombsch would focus on developing the Club’s AFLW players and those within its women’s Next Generation Academy.
 
“His key role will be helping our AFLW players be the best they can be by providing small group and individual development sessions,” Harper said.
 
Hombsch said helping the Suns’ young brigade this past year had fuelled his passion for development coaching.
 
“Playing this year predominantly in the Sun’s VFL side, I had a bit of a leadership and development role to play with the younger boys coming through,” Hombsch said.
 
“This is just a fantastic opportunity to hopefully further myself as a coach and to help the next generation coming through.
 
“It’s an absolute privilege to be able to get to work with such a dedicated team and group, and hopefully I can just fit in and add to what’s already a really strong program.”
 
Hombsch joins the Crows from Wednesday, November 3 and will work alongside Senior Coach Matthew Clarke and assistants Peter Caven, Courtney Cramey and Emma Sampson, as well as development coach Leah Kaslar.