Salisbury North appoints former coach Eugene Warrior to take charge of Adelaide Footy League club

His last game as a footy coach ended in chaos and a suspension – but eight years later, former AFL and SANFL player Eugene Warrior is returning to local footy.

Eugene Warrior talks to his players at quarter time in the 2013 division one grand final replay, which was his last game in charge at Salisbury North before recently returning to the club as coach. Picture: Stephen Laffer

His last game at Salisbury North ended clouded in controversy and disappointment – but Eugene Warrior has returned to end his legacy at the club on a different note.

The former Crows, Port Magpies and Norwood player is back at the Hawks after an eight-year interlude with a goal to drive them back into the heights of the Adelaide Footy League’s division one.

Warrior has resumed the reins at Bagster Road following the departure of club great Joe Hay, who left the role last month following three seasons at the helm.

Eugene Warrior coached Salisbury North in 2012 and 2013 and is now back at the helm of the Hawks. Picture: Stephen Laffer

The 45-year-old’s last game in charge of Salisbury North was the 2013 division one grand final replay against Rostrevor Old Collegians – a game which ended in defeat for the Hawks and suspensions to four players.

Warrior was also handed a four-match ban for umpire abuse and stepped down following the match.

But the 44th pick in the 1993 AFL Draft said the desire to help the club win promotion from division two back to the top flight – where it spent 15 straight seasons before being relegated at the end of 2017 – and break a 31-year premiership drought drew him back.

Salisbury North has never won an A grade flag in the Adelaide Footy League and its last came in the Northern Metropolitan Football League back in 1990.

“What attracted me is the fact I love the club and wanting to get it back to playing finals and back into division one,” said Warrior, who coached the Hawks in 2012 and 2013.

Under Warrior, Salisbury North drew the division one grand final against ROC in 2013 before losing the replay by 42 points a week later. Picture: Matt Turner

“When I left back in 2013, I went on and coached various other teams, was runner with the Port Adelaide Magpies as well but I always kept one eye on how Salisbury North and the players were tracking.

“The opportunity came about at the right time and here we are. I’m really excited.”

While Warrior and the club did not shy away from their ambition to make his second stint a success, the coach was wary winning promotion would be a challenging task.

Salisbury North, which finished seventh this season, will face fierce competition in division two with top flight clubs Adelaide University and Unley Mercedes coming down to join 2021 finals sides PHOS Camden and Sacred Heart Old Collegians.

Powerful district clubs Henley, Broadview and Athelstone make up the division alongside rising promoted teams North Haven and Gaza.

“There’s obviously a lot of steps that need to happen prior to that (winning promotion) but the hard yards the club and football department has done on and off the field is paying dividends,” Warrior said.

“From now I’m speaking to all the players, speaking to recruits and all those things you do pre-Christmas to set up for a good season next year.

“Joe (Hay) has obviously done a great job the three years he’s been in charge but hopefully a fresh voice and a few different ideas could give them a new lease of life.”

Warrior said the club had been speaking to potential recruits and hoped to announce signings in the coming weeks.