Adelaide Crows appoint Brisbane assistant Ryan Davis as new AFLW coach

Adelaide has found their replacement for two-time AFLW premiership coach Matthew Clarke. Simeon Thomas-Wilson has the details.

Adelaide has locked in Ryan Davis as its new AFLW coach.

As revealed by Code Sports last week the Brisbane assistant was set to succeed two-time premiership coach Matthew Clarke at the Crows.

Clarke announced in April that 2025 would be his last season in charge of the Crows and Davis, 36, was chosen as his replacement following a recruitment process spanning several months.

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers said Davis, who has spent the last two years in charge of the Lions’ midfield, was an excellent communicator and strategist, with strong football intellect.

New Adelaide AFLW coach Ryan Davis. Picture: Jerad Williams

“We are really proud of what our AFLW program has been able to achieve over the years and enter a new era firmly believing Ryan can guide us to more success,” Silvers said.

“He has a proven record of developing talent and fostering and being involved in environments where players, coaches and staff get the best out of themselves.

“He’s also passionate about women’s footy and has a clear vision for our program’s future.”

Davis played for West Coast and Gold Coast as a player and also was the coach of Southport’s women’s side.

Davis is hoping to coach a contending side in 2026. Picture: Supplied.

He said he was excited to build on what had already been a successful program.

“It’s clearly been a very successful program and my job is to try and do everything I can to enhance it further and bring positive results on and off the field,” Davis said.

“I will bring an enthusiasm and love for the game, partnered with high playing and training standards, where we will consistently be striving to get better.

“We will demand the best from each other to make sure we maximise our talent and potential, both individually and collectively.

“We can’t wait to move to Adelaide and for me to get my teeth stuck into the work ahead.”

Originally published as Adelaide Crows appoint Brisbane assistant Ryan Davis as new AFLW coach