Bloods SANFL coach Adam Hartlett to take personal leave to ‘prioritise his wellbeing’

West Adelaide coach Adam Hartlett has been granted personal leave from the SANFL club to “prioritise his wellbeing’’, with the full support of the club.

West Adelaide Football Club coach Adam Hartlett has taken indefinite leave from the SANFL club for personal reasons.

The third-year mentor has been granted an “extended period of personal leave’’ to “prioritise his wellbeing’’.

A temporary coaching structure is expected to be announced on Tuesday as the embattled Bloods prepare to play Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval in a round 9 clash on Sunday.

Hartlett, 39, helped West climb from bottom to eighth last season but it has crashed to last again this year, winning just one of its eight games and having the worst percentage (32.3) in the competition.

It was thrashed by 104 points by Norwood at Richmond Oval last Saturday, kicking only three goals to the Redlegs’ 19.

Adam Hartlett coaching West Adelaide against Norwood last Saturday. Picture: Cory Sutton

The Bloods also suffered heavy defeats against Adelaide in round 1 (95 points), Sturt in round 4 (76 points), Central District in round 6 (56 points) and Glenelg in round 7 (87 points).

Their only win was against North Adelaide by 13 points in round 5.

A former Carlton AFL defender and West 2015 premiership player, Hartlett is the older brother of former Port Adelaide star and current Magpies SANFL coach Hamish Hartlett.

New Bloods chief executive Adam May announced to members that Hartlett would be “taking an extended period of personal leave’’.

“Adam has requested this with the support of his family, and with the support of the club, to prioritise his wellbeing,’’ the club said in a statement.

“We thank him for his honesty in coming forward about the personal challenges he is currently facing and seeking support, which takes courage and vulnerability – values we encourage across our playing group, staff and community.

“We ask that Adam and his family are given the space and privacy to focus on his health at this time and thank you for your understanding and respect.

West Adelaide coach Adam Hartlett (right) with his brother and Port Adelaide SANFL coach Hamish Hartlett and the Russell Ebert Tribute Match trophy that the two clubs play for annually. Picture: David Mariuz/ SANFL

“As a club, we understand that challenging periods test not only our performance, but our character.

“It’s in these moments that we lean on our values of unity and courage. Our players and staff remain committed to each other and to the direction and culture we are looking to build.

“The playing group has been updated on Adam’s decision and an announcement regarding a temporary coaching structure will be made shortly, in preparation for this week’s match.’’

Hartlett replaced Brad Gotch as coach in 2023 following consecutive wooden spoons in 2021-22.

While the Bloods also finished bottom in his first season in charge, they won one-and-a-half more games (four wins and a draw overall) and last year chalked up five victories – their best result since 2018.

But the club lost a host of key players in the off-season and has gone backwards this year.

Originally published as Bloods SANFL coach Adam Hartlett to take personal leave to ‘prioritise his wellbeing’