New West Adelaide coach Adam Hartlett could miss his first game in charge

New West Adelaide coach Adam Hartlett is on “baby standby’’ and could miss his first SANFL league game on Saturday. Full 16-page SANFL preview guide – download here.

New West Adelaide Football Club coach Adam Hartlett with recruits Rhys Nicholls and Dylan Bramich. Picture: Emma Brasier

New West Adelaide coach Adam Hartlett is on “baby standby’’ and could miss his first SANFL league game in charge on Saturday.

Hartlett’s wife Sarah is expecting the couple’s third child any day and the 2015 Bloods premiership player said he would put family first, possibly forcing him to hand the coaching reins to senior assistant Ryan Anderson when West plays North Adelaide at Prospect Oval in the opening round of the 2023 SANFL season.

“It’s a pretty nervous time because there's a bit going on and I've told the boys as much as we love the footy club, family always comes first,’’ Hartlett said.

“Absolutely our priority is to train and play hard but if anything family related pops up I’ve certainly given the boys right of way in that regard.’’

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Hartlett and wife Sarah, Pictured with then 17-month-old daughter Indi, already have two children. Picture: Dean Martin

Hartlett, who has two girls, Indianna, 8, and Mila, 6, and is expecting a third daughter, has already had one false alarm.

He nearly missed West’s first practice match against South Adelaide three weeks ago when he thought Sarah was going into labour.

“We’ve been teetering on the edge of having this kid for ages,’’ said Hartlett, 36.

“About midnight before our first praccy game Sarah was prancing around the house feeling really uncomfortable, so we rang the hospital and they said come in.

“But the baby’s still not here, so I can picture the same scenario happening this week, but it’s all good.

“Family is the most important thing and as a club we have a contingency coaching plan in place.

“As much as I’m super-focused on the job at hand and would love to be in charge for our first game this season I’ve spoken to Ryan Anderson and if I’m not there on game day he’ll be taking the reins.’’