AFL 2022: Richmond assistant Adam Kingsley wins race to replace Leon Cameron as GWS Giants’ new coach

The Giants have turned to a long-serving assistant coach with significant premiership experience to be Leon Cameron’s successor.

Adam Kingsley, pictured right with Richmond defender Robbie Tarrant, is the Giants’ new senior coach. Picture: Getty Images

Adam Kingsley has beaten caretaker Mark McVeigh and leading contender Adem Yze to win the Giants’ senior coaching job.

The 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player will succeed Leon Cameron as Greater Western Sydney coach after forging a strong reputation as an assistant at the Power, St Kilda and Richmond across the past 16 years.

This chance is a long time coming for Kingsley after he barely missed out on last year’s openings at Carlton and Collingwood, which instead went to Michael Voss and Craig McRae, respectively.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity,” he said.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to be the next senior coach of the Giants.

New Giants senior coach Adam Kingsley (left) and Damien Hardwick were a successful combination at Richmond. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ve been clear in my aspirations to become a senior coach, and over the last 16 years I’ve continued to learn and develop to the point now where I’m absolutely ready to take the next step in my coaching career.

“This is a club which has built a strong culture from the ground up in just a few short years ... while the ultimate success has eluded the club, it’s clear the building blocks are in place.

“It’s clear the players, staff, members and fans are hungry for success, and we’re going to drive each other to get to where we want to go. I believe in this club and what we can achieve together.”

Kingsley has signed a three-year deal and has the task of lifting the Giants from the bottom four, potentially without midfield stars Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, as well as young pair Tanner Bruhn and Bobby Hill.

Those four players are weighing up their future, with Taranto, in particular, waiting to find out who the coach would be before making his call.

Adem Yze (left) missed out on the Giants’ senior coaching job. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne assistant coach Yze was widely considered to be the frontrunner before GWS announced Kingsley’s appointment on Monday, after new North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson withdrew last week.

Giants chief executive David Matthews said Kingsley’s appointment marked the “next chapter” in the club’s brief existence.

“After a thorough and considered selection process, Adam’s vision for the club, our players and our people made him the standout candidate for the job,” Matthews said.

“Adam has outstanding values that align with the Giants and with 16 years’ coaching experience, he is an exceptional tactical coach, a strong, clear communicator and someone who brings people together.

“In our 11 years in the competition, we have undoubtedly become a successful club with a fantastic culture and a great playing list but we haven’t been satisfied with our recent results.

Coach Mark McVeigh made an impression as interim coach but ultimately didn’t win the Giants’ vacant job. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“We, and Adam, believe success isn’t far away and we’re thrilled to have him lead us into our next chapter as a club.”

Kingsley enjoyed a distinguished 170-game career at Port Adelaide, including winning the Power’s best and fairest award in 1998.

He stepped straight into coaching once his playing career began, with stints at Port (2007-10), the Saints (2010-18) and the Tigers (2019-22), where he was part of two premierships.

Matthews also thanked McVeigh for his “tireless” contribution since stepping in as interim coach for the second half of the season.

The CEO made the coaching call in consultation with chairman Tony Shepherd, football director and ex-Cats champion Jimmy Bartel and football boss Jason McCartney.

Originally published as AFL 2022: Richmond assistant Adam Kingsley wins race to replace Leon Cameron as GWS Giants’ new coach