The Adelaide Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced sports administrator Adam Kelly to the role of Head of Football.

Kelly has extensive leadership and strategic and operational management experience, and joins the Crows after more than five years at the South Australian National Football League where he has been General Manager - Football.

The 45-year-old has previously served as CEO of East Fremantle Football Club, as well as CEO of Country Racing Victoria’s Murray Mallee Racing.

He will be part of Adelaide’s Executive management team and oversee all aspects of the Club’s football operations when he officially starts early in the New Year.

Crows CEO Andrew Fagan said Kelly was the standout candidate after a lengthy recruitment and due diligence process, adding that he had a proven record of positively influencing both performance and the environment in which he operates. 

“Adam is a values driven leader who has clearly demonstrated that he can positively influence large teams of people in both a club and governing body environment. This was critically important to us,” Fagan said.

“While undertaking our due diligence, it was evident he takes an organisation-first approach to decision making and also has a deep understanding of the necessary components required to succeed in this role. 

“We were also impressed with his long-term commitment to learning and personal development, which he has demonstrated through the completion of a Master of Business Administration and attendance at Harvard University.

“He has also undertaken AFL-specific education such as Football Operations and List Management, and Executive Leadership programs. 

“Importantly, we feel his combination of personal qualities, skills, qualifications and experiences are well suited to the football program and environment we are developing under a new senior coach.”

Kelly said it was a privilege to be appointed to the role and a series of recent meetings with key Crows representatives had given him an insight into the positivity within the Club.

“The further I went into the recruitment process the eagerness grew as a result of being able to interact with numerous people, all of whom impressed me with their passion, drive and desire to take the Club forward,” Kelly said.

“I am also looking forward with great anticipation to immersing myself in the Club in the New Year, getting across all elements of the football program and starting to build relationships with my colleagues, as well as the players in our men’s and women’s teams.”