The Adelaide Football Club is excited to announce the appointment of Matthew Nicks as its new Senior Coach for the next three years.

Nicks’ selection was endorsed by the Club’s Board on Monday evening following a recommendation put forward by the coach recruitment panel.

He joins the Crows from grand finalists Greater Western Sydney, where he was senior assistant coach in 2019.

The 44-year-old spent the previous eight seasons as a member of Port Adelaide’s coaching department, and served as a senior assistant in his final two seasons with the Power.

Prior to his accomplished coaching career, the South Australian played 175 AFL games for the Sydney Swans.

Nicks said he had long-held aspirations of being a Senior Coach and to do so in his home state of South Australia was an added bonus.

“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to coach at Adelaide and even more excited about what we can achieve together as players, coaches and staff,” Nicks said.

“Timing is everything and I feel very well prepared, having progressed from being a development coach to a senior assistant at two different clubs in vastly different markets.

“We will be a team that not only embraces the contest but seeks it out. A team-first mentality also sits at the core of all successful clubs and from this day forward it will always be a clear focus and priority.”

Crows Chairman Rob Chapman said Nicks was not only a quality coach but a quality person who had a good understanding of the South Australian football landscape.

“Our Club is embarking upon an exciting new era and Matthew is the perfect person to guide and develop our talented playing list as it goes through a period of rejuvenation,” Chapman said.

Crows CEO Andrew Fagan, who was part of Adelaide’s four-member panel charged with finding the Senior Coach, said Nicks had impressed during each stage of the recruitment process.

“Matthew is incredibly well-rounded and matched up extremely well against the attributes that we were targeting,” Fagan said.

“He is recognised for his ability to build strong and sustainable personal relationships, as well as being an excellent communicator and has significant finals experience as a player and coach.

“Importantly, he also possesses a sharp tactical nous and is clearly ready to coach his own team at the elite level.”