Andrew Jarman joins Port Noarlunga as coach for SFL season 2023

SA football icon Andrew Jarman will coach a local club next year – recruited by one of the biggest stars in Australian radio.

One of South Australia’s footballing legends has taken on the coaching job at a local club as he does his bit to revitalise the community game.

Andrew Jarman – a dual Magarey Medallist with North Adelaide and Norwood, an inaugural and iconic Crow, and a South Australian Football Hall of Famer – has signed with Southern Football League club Port Noarlunga for season 2023 after spending time with Willaston in the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association.

The Cockledivers went through the entire A Grade season without a win in 2022 and will look to Jarman to reinvigorate their troops.

The signing comes after much-loved media personality and Port Noarlunga member Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald put a call out to the former star Crow.

“Fitzy is a dear friend and a big figure down at Port Noarlunga. He originally reached out to see if I knew anyone who would coach and one thing led to another and I decided I’d take on the job,” Jarman said.

Andrew Jarman has joined Port Noarlunga as coach for season 2023. Picture: Port Noarlunga Football Club

“Clubs are doing it tough, we’re seeing them having to merge regularly now, and it’s been tough for them to find coaches so I want to help those which might be struggling whenever I can.

“It’s going to be a challenge, I know that, but footy is an addiction for me – I really want to help it at the community level whenever I can and I wouldn’t have put my hand up if I didn’t think I could improve the club.”

A former SANFL coach, Jarman has also coached Gaza and then Willaston at local level, leading the latter to a 2021 big dance before missing out on the finals this year.

He said while Port Noarlunga had struggled in recent years he saw the potential of the club.

“The club is set up beautifully – it has incredible facilities and the juniors program is second to none,” Jarman said.

Former Crows champion and showman Jarman said he wanted to help community clubs and believed he could take Port Noarlunga back to the top. Picture: Sarah Reed

“There’s a bit to play with, we’ll look to see what we can do with the senior colts but I want to establish that core group of players in the side and get some past players back and some guys in who’ll be a big boost to the club.

“We’ve got to focus on the reserves program as well because if you can do some work with that and improve there it will really benefit the A Grade.”

Jarman also admitted there was a “big mountain to climb” for the Cockledivers, but believed he had what it would take to re-energise the Cockledivers.

“I love community football clubs like Port Noarlunga, they’re honest and passionate and they want to be competitive, and that’s what I’m here to help with.

“I’m still evolving myself, but I have a lot of knowledge and resources I can tap in to to ensure the club is performing at a strong level and I’m really excited to start.”