Brett Maher, Rupert Sapwell and Rob Snowdon leading external review into Adelaide 36ers’ flagging fortunes
The Adelaide 36ers have called on two club legends and a former AFL football operations boss to lead an external review of the team’s flagging fortunes with preliminary findings expected within days.
36ers
Don't miss out on the headlines from 36ers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ADELAIDE 36ers greats Brett Maher and Rupert Sapwell have been called in to lead an external review of the team as public uncertainty surrounding coach Joey Wright’s future continues.
Maher and Sapwell, who won three NBL championships with the Sixers, have been joined by former Port Adelaide and Sydney football operations boss Rob Snowdon to investigate why Adelaide fell from grand finalist to missing finals altogether the past two seasons.
The three started interviewing players, coaches and staff on Wednesday and are expected to deliver their preliminary findings by the weekend.
It is not known whether they will interview Wright who is almost certain to leave the club despite having two years left to run on his contract.
The Advertiser understands he and club owner Grant Kelley have agreed they will part ways but negotiations regarding a contractual payout are ongoing.
Maher is a four-time NBL All-Star and two-time NBL grand final MVP and respected former captain who this Saturday night will be inducted into the 36ers’ hall of fame.
Sapwell is the director of sport at Trinity College and was considered for the head of culture role at the Crows which eventually went to former Richmond player Daniel Jackson.
Snowdon is an experienced sports and business administrator having worked with Sydney, Port Adelaide, SA Power Networks and is currently chair of the Country Fire Service Foundation.
The 36ers’ season ended with a demoralising loss to Perth on Saturday night when Wright and four-time MVP Daniel Johnson both admitted something was wrong with the attitude and effort of the team.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, it’s no excuse but guys should have come out and play hard,” Johnson said.
“I feel like Joey cares about everyone on the team and does what he can to help them.
“But some of the effort wasn’t there from people tonight which is disappointing.”
After attending the NBL’s awards night in Melbourne on Sunday, the 36ers players gathered for a post-season get-together on Tuesday where they turned up in fancy dress on Tuesday.
Co-captain Kevin White said he had no idea whether Wright would remain as head coach next season and said there was natural uncertainty surrounding the future of every player on the roster.
The NBL finals begin with Perth and Cairns on Friday night, and Sydney hosts Melbourne on Saturday night.
reece.homfray@news.com.au