Adelaide declares preference for ‘premiership coach’ as search for Brenton Sanderson’s replacement begins

THE Crows’ search for Brenton Sanderson’s replacement — with a preference for a tested coach — could become more difficult if Gold Coast enters the market.

Eagles Hall of Fame dinner at the Perth Convention Centre. Photo by Daniel Wilkins. PICTURED - Premiership captain John Worsfold signs a picture which is to be auctioned during the night.

ADELAIDE’S search for Brenton Sanderson’s replacement — with a preference for a tested coach — could become more difficult if Gold Coast enters the AFL market.

As Guy McKenna yesterday faced the Suns board with his job on the line, the Crows directors met for the first time since endorsing Sanderson’s sacking on Wednesday to define the profile of his successor at West Lakes.

With Adelaide Football Club chairman Rob Chapman declaring the Crows could not take a risk with Sanderson next season, the expectation grew for a tested coach to be appointed rather than another rookie.

The major contenders — most probably in this order — are West Coast premiership coach John Worsfold, former Brisbane coach and Brownlow Medallist Michael Voss and former Carlton mentor Brett Ratten.

Of this trio, Worsfold and Voss are clear of AFL clubs today. Ratten is an assistant coach at Hawthorn that plays Port Adelaide in the AFL preliminary final at the MCG on Saturday evening.

Former Crows captain Simon Goodwin on Thursday was put out of reach by signing a five-year contract to be Paul Roos’ senior assistant and successor at Melbourne. He did confirm he had been contacted by Adelaide to consider returning to the club as coach.

Geelong premiership coach and current Essendon stand-in coach Mark Thompson — who could emerge as McKenna’s successor at Gold Coast — refused to even consider moving to Adelaide after blasting the Crows board for sacking Sanderson while he still had two years on his contract.

Worsfold on Thursday was in a difficult position being linked to the Adelaide job while he was compelled to counsel Sanderson as the new chief of the AFL Coaches Association.

The 2006 Eagles premiership coach and dual West Coast premiership captain appears the best fit for Adelaide as the Crows board fights a heavy backlash from its fans and members for sacking Sanderson.

Chapman on Thursday increased the expectation of the Crows preferring a tested coach rather than another rookie such as Stuart Dew, Scott Burns and former Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett by saying his club was seeking a “premiership coach”.

Chapman dismissed speculation — that was reaffirmed by Goodwin’s appointment at Melbourne — that Adelaide already had a coach in place.

“We need a premiership coach,” Chapman said before the board meeting at Adelaide Oval on Thursday morning.

“We need a coach who can come in and engage our players, put together a leadership program, put together a high-performance culture — create that — (give and take) rigorous feedback and lead this team and achieve what we all think it can achieve.

“That gene pool is not very deep. There are only a select number that can — and many are in current jobs,” added Chapman as wild speculation had Adelaide making a raid on contract Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson.

“We might have to wait a while (to interview prospective coaches), but we find the right person.

“We will find someone who can take us on the journey to play finals consistently, win finals and eventually win a premiership.”

Asked if Worsfold fitted the profile for Adelaide, Chapman said: “I would not rule that out.”

Former Brisbane coach Michael Voss, who was sacked last year.

TESTED OPTIONS

JOHN WORSFOLD

Played: 209 AFL games with West Coast, 1987-1998. Premiership captain, 1992 and 1994.

Coached: West Coast, 2002-2013 with 149 wins, two draws and 130 losses.

Finals record: 7-10, four finals series, two grand finals (2005 and 2006) and one premiership (2006).

Currently: AFL Coaches Association chief.

MICHAEL VOSS

Played: 289 AFL games with Brisbane, 1992-2006. Premiership captain, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Coached: Brisbane, 2009-2013 with 43 wins, one draw and 65 losses.

Finals record: 1-1, one finals series.

Currently: Media commentator.

BRETT RATTEN

Played: 255 AFL games with Carlton, 1990-2003. Club captain, 2002-2003.

Coached: Carlton, 2007-2012 with 60 wins, one draw and 59 losses.

Finals record: 1-3, three finals series.

Currently: Hawthorn assistant coach.

Originally published as Adelaide declares preference for ‘premiership coach’ as search for Brenton Sanderson’s replacement begins