Incoming Crows head of football Adam Kelly says head of culture, captain and Brad Crouch decision won’t happen until 2020
The Adelaide Crows will leave three big decisions, including the new head of culture position, to 2020, according to new head of football Adam Kelly.
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Newly minted Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly’s first priority is resigning Brad Crouch but concedes locking in the club champion, head of culture and a captain will be delayed until next year.
Adelaide parted ways with Brett Burton over two months ago but took until Monday to announce Kelly as head of football successor.
Restricted free agent Brad Crouch will front for the Crows next season but is attracting serious interest from interstate clubs ready with lucrative long-terms deals Adelaide won’t match.
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“What is critical for me is to start building those relationships with people across the team,” said Kelly on SEN, adding it was ‘correct’ that deciding Crouch’s future was a priority.
“When it comes to Brad, he is someone I admire the way he plays the game. He is a great player and it has been a real credit to him and the medical physical performance team that he was able to have the season he did after the wretched run with injury he had through the early part of his career.”
Kelly will be doubling down on the Crows off contract stars including Wayne Milera and Brad Crouch with list manager Justin Reid.
“Justin will be one I am talking to in the New Year and see where everyone is at,” said Kelly.
Jason Dunstall’s external football department review, released on October 11, recommended the creation of a leadership and culture boss.
It appears Rupert Sapwell’s installation as Crows leadership guru won’t be ratified until Kelly has settled at West Lakes during early January.
“I want to get across the needs of the role and have the opportunity to shape role and how it will be structured up,” Kelly said.
“I know conversations have been had with certain people and will be part of that recruitment process. It becomes a little bit more difficult with Christmas and the New Year. I can’t put a time frame on it but we are well on the way to securing someone in that position.”
Clubs have been proactive in bedding down captains for 2020. Port Adelaide has selected Tom Jonas as sole skipper, Steve Coniglio is replacing Phil Davis and Callan Ward while Marcus Bontempelli will follow Eastern Wood.
Adelaide’s on-field leadership was singled out for criticism from Jason Dunstall for presiding over a culture of self preservation. Taylor Walker resigned but there is still no decision on whether Rory Sloane will become sole captain.
“Andrew Fagan mentioned there would be a decision made in the New Year,” Kelly noted.
Kelly has spent several hours getting to know Don Pyke’s successor Matthew Nicks and believes the signs are positive.
“We will be looking at a game style that people will be really proud of,” said outgoing SANFL general manager Kelly.
Crows chief executive Andrew Fagan has revealed West Lakes wasn’t an environment people enjoyed turning up to work at last season but Kelly wants to be an agent of change.
“From my experience when you have purpose and belonging you really thrive in a work environment and I have been really fortunate throughout my working career to lead in working environments that have that feel,” said Kelly.