Former Adelaide Crow Scott Thompson takes over from Adam Jeffries as Unley Mercedes Jets coach

Two-time Crows best and fairest Scott Thompson will take charge at a rebuilding Adelaide Footy League club after the departure of its head coach.

Former Crows AFL great Scott Thompson will coach Unley Mercedes in the Adelaide Footy League next season. Picture: Tom Huntley

A former Adelaide great will take charge of Adelaide Footy League club Unley Mercedes next season with coach Adam Jeffries choosing to step down.

The Jets named dual Crows best and fairest Scott Thompson as their next coach on Tuesday following the conclusion of the season.

Thompson, who played 308 AFL games across a 17-year career with Adelaide and Melbourne, moves to the top job after spending 2021 as assistant coach.

He was previously a development coach with Port Adelaide for two seasons.

Unley Mercedes finished bottom of the top flight this season with a 1-17 win-loss record and will be relegated to division two.

Adam Jeffries will step down as coach of Unley Mercedes with former Crow Scott Thompson to take over. Picture: Tom Huntley

Jefferies, who spent one season in charge of the Jets, said he made the decision to step down following open discussions with the club and was excited for Thompson to take the reins.

“I had the choice to coach again next year but this is a really positive handover,” said Jeffries, who previously coached at Goodwood and Padthaway.

“I’m happy to pass the baton on, it’s good for the club, good for me, it’s good for Thommo and I’m really excited for him to become a senior coach.

“I came to Unley for a season to help them through division one – that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have stayed next year but my mind was focused on one year to be the best coach I could be to help the club be as competitive as possible.

“Thommo was available and wanted to coach, so I would be stupid to stand in his way and let Unley miss out on him.”

Thompson played 269 games for the Crows, which including two Malcolm Blight Medals, and also made 39 AFL appearances for Melbourne. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images

Jeffries took over at Unley Mercedes following a tough 2020 campaign for the club which resulted in the departure of previous coach Kane Stewart and several senior players.

And while not reflected in their ladder position, Jeffries was able to galvanise the playing group to remain competitive in the league’s top flight.

“It’s been a grind, no doubt about that, but the environment and morale around the club has been first class,” he said.

“The only disappointment was not finding a couple more wins against those teams around us.

“On the positive side, it’s a young team and the development of a number of players is really encouraging and great for the club going forward.”

Jeffries said he had not ruled out taking another role down the track – if it was the right fit – but was looking forward to some time away from senior coaching.

Unley president David Heaslip thanked Jeffries for his service and said the club was delighted to announce Thompson’s appointment.

“As all would be aware, Scott comes with an impeccable football background,” Heaslip said.

“He provides the Jets with an outstanding coaching option for 2022, after being an integral part of our structure this year, and keenly understands the development needs of our squad.

“We are particularly excited by the proficiency Scott has already shown in the development of our young players as he engages with them to develop their skill and awareness of playing football at a superior level.”