Chairman Rob Chapman will bed down Crows review findings then step down next October
Rob Chapman has revealed he will step down as Crows chairman at the end of season 2020 but hopes football director Mark Ricciuto stays on.
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Rob Chapman will ‘see through’ Adelaide’s external review recommendations before stepping down as board chairman next October while Mark Ricciuto is to consider his role as football director.
Respected financier Chapman will remain as chairman until implementing the findings of a 50-page external football department review delivered by Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall.
“My board called for the review, I said hold me accountable and we have made significant changes to the football department. I have never felt more committed to make these changes turn into the success we all want for this football club,” Chapman told The Advertiser.
“The board has asked me to stay on until the end of next season and see it through. I think I would like a full stop after next season. I will be chairman for 12 years and think that is long enough.”
The passing of board member Bob Foord in late 2017 meant there was no obvious candidate to succeed Chapman. Jim McDowell or Linda Fellows are among choices to succeed Chapman over the next 12 months while tennis great Lleyton Hewitt is a wildcard, long-term option
Adelaide axed head of football Brett Burton and assistant coach Scott Camporeale following a six-week, review produced by Dunstall, Fremantle great Matthew Pavlich, high performance guru Tim Gabbert and psychologist Jonah Oliver.
Premiership midfielder Ricciuto – on a four man panel to select the next Crows senior coach – will examine how to balance hats as Fox Footy commentator, Triple M personality and Crows football director. It’s understood 2003 Brownlow Medallist Ricciuto’s contrasting roles and heavy workload were noted in the review.
“Mark understands that, it has been brought to his attention. I hope he stays on because our football club is better for having him involved,” Chapman said.