Ardrossan’s Sam Pfeiffer takes on coach Roos in Yorke Peninsula FL season 2024
A star SA country footballer and former Adelaide Crow will coach a rebuilding local club as it looks to push back up the ladder and compete for finals.
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A former Crow will coach a rebuilding SA country club as it aims to surge back up the ladder and into finals in season 2024.
Ardrossan Football Club superstar Sam Pfeiffer has signed as playing-coach of the Roos for Yorke Peninsula Football League season.
The versatile gun, who played SANFL League football with Adelaide in 2015 and 2016, will step into his first coaching role as the club looks to bounce back from a second bottom finish in 2023.
“I’ve always wanted to coach and the club sort of put it to me and told me the job was mine if I wanted it,” Pfeiffer said.
“Ultimately I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve got a young family so the only thing to think about was more how I’d balance the role with that.
“Since I’ve come over we’ve struggled a bit on the field, we haven’t made finals since 2018 and haven’t won a premiership since 2004, so I’m really excited by the challenge and the opportunity to get the club back to being a contender.”
A versatile player who can play a number of roles at the back, in the contest or up front, Pfeiffer has had a decorated career in SA footy.
A life member of River Murray FL club Rambler, Pfeiffer won three A Grade flags with the Roosters and also captained the club before playing for Sturt and Adelaide in the SANFL.
He then captained Hills FL club Mount Barker in 2017 and 2018 before making the move to Ardrossan.
Pfeiffer has also been a state country team member in four separate seasons.
“I guess I’ve sort of taken little tidbits from different clubs and the coaches I’ve valued so I’ll look to do that and put my twist on things with Ardrossan,” he said.
“I really enjoy teaching and guiding guys and it gives me great pleasure seeing them flourish.
“Hopefully I can play a role in turning the club around.”
The Roos won just two of 16 games last season to finish ninth on the ladder but remained competitive despite the poor win-loss record.
With some new personnel set to join and almost every 2023 player returning, Pfeiffer believed the club could compete for finals in 2024.
“I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say we can play finals – we won two games but probably dropped about five from winning positions so the next step will be to win those close games.
“The guys have all gained experience from last season and with some new players coming in we’re looking good ahead of next year.
“It’s going to be about taking one step at a time but we’d love to see some early success.”
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