Adelaide has thanked assistant coach James Rahilly for his contribution over the past three years after he advised the Club he was returning to Victoria.

Rahilly joined the Crows from Geelong ahead of the 2021 season and has played an important role as forwards coach.

Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said while disappointed to lose Rahilly, the Club understood his desire to return to Victoria for family reasons.

“James has played a significant role in the development of our team over the past three years and last week it was pleasing to see him rewarded with an AFL Coaches Association Award,” Kelly said.

“A number of our forwards have significantly improved under his guidance and he has been instrumental in building connection across the group with respect to our ball movement, which puts us in a strong position moving forward.

“So while it’s unfortunate that James won’t be continuing with us in 2024, we also understand the nature of the industry and that he has an opportunity to continue his career in his home state, so we wish him, his wife Georgia and their children Van, Hyde, Wren and West all the best for the future.”

Rahilly said it was a difficult decision to leave West Lakes after three promising seasons.

“I’ve loved my time here and grown very close with the players, coaches and staff,” Rahilly said.

“I’m also very proud of the progress we’ve made over the past three years under Nicksy and it’s clear the Club is heading in the right direction and towards success in the near future.

“I’d like to thank Adelaide for giving me the opportunity to broaden my coaching experience in 2021 but now the opportunity to continue that back home with my family is too good to pass up, and I leave wishing the Club nothing but the best.”

 Adelaide will finalise its coaching panel for 2024 in coming weeks.