Brighton Bombers coach Brett Backwell to step down at end of 2024 season

A former AFL player and Magarey Medallist will vacate his role as A Grade coach of a division one club at the end of the season. Here’s why the move was made.

A former AFL player and SANFL Magarey Medallist will step down from his role as coach of a division one Adelaide Footy League club after this weekend’s final round.

Former Carlton and Glenelg star Brett Backwell will depart Brighton following this weekend’s clash with Broadview after four years at the helm for the Bombers.

Backwell joined as coach in 2021 after a successful tenure with Prince Alfred OC during which he coached a premiership in 2016, but has been unable to lead the club to finals during his time in charge.

He has kept the club in the top division through this period and will aim to coach his side to a win over fellow relegation battler Broadview away from home on Saturday, with the victor set to stay up and the loser to go down to division two.

Brighton coach Brett Backwell will depart at the end of the 2024 season. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“The decision was probably made about 10 weeks ago - it’s been a tough couple years on the field and off the field with trying to balance things as well,” Backwell said.

“I’ve got two little girls now who are really busy with their school and sports and I run my own business as well.

“I’m really going to miss the little things away from game time like watching my girls play and just being a part of the club.

“It’s hard to walk away, especially when you’ve built such strong relationships but there comes a time when you need to make that decision.”

While the Bombers have not played finals during Backwell’s tenure, the club has continued to develop young talent at the top local level.

Backwell said he viewed his time in charge positively despite the on-field challenges.

Backwell believed his time with the club had been positive. Picture: Matt Loxton

“I think it depends how you measure success,” he said.

“Externally, you’re measured by wins and losses and we understand that but for me it’s a bit different.

“Seeing guys like Jarman Sigal go on to play SANFL League footy for the Crows and other guys continuing to develop themselves lets me know we’ve done a pretty good job and I think we’ve done pretty well to stay in the division.

“Culturally we’ve got some really good people as well and kids continuing to develop through the club.”

Brighton has experienced a number of challenges this season and Backwell will head into this weekend’s do or die clash at Broadview, led by close friend and former Brighton assistant coach Matt Burgess, with the majority of his best 21 unavailable.

Brighton will fight to stay up in division one against Broadview this weekend. Picture: Ann Marie O'Connor

Backwell hoped he could give the club something to celebrate in his last game at the helm and said he was looking forward to what the future could hold.

“It’s come down to a pretty tough scenario for both Matt and I but I’m one of the most competitive people you’ll meet and I want to win and stay in the division.

“We talk a lot about legacy and I want to be able to leave the club in a good position.

“After that I’m probably going to take the time to sit back and spend some quality time with my family and in my business.

“I’m a footy coach at heart though and I’d love to go into an U18s program somewhere and help kids develop, but that could just be after a bit of a break.”

Brighton will be set for a fresh start next year, with men’s football director Rob Miles and women’s football director Lou Crowe also stepping down at season’s end.