WEST Coast has appointed Nathan van Berlo as an assistant coach as Adam Simpson rebuilds his off-field team.
Van Berlo has spent the past 12 months as a development coach with Adelaide, working with the club's younger players while also playing a role in the club's leadership program.
He has been appointed as midfield and stoppages coach following the loss of ruck and stoppages coach Dean Cox (Sydney) and senior assistant Justin Longmuir (Collingwood) this off-season.
"We’re excited to have someone of Nathan’s quality join us," West Coast football manager Craig Vozzo said on the club's website.
"His extensive experience as a club leader, both as a player and more recently as a coach, adds another dimension to our coaching group and leadership program."
Van Berlo retired at the end of 2016 after 205 games in 12 seasons, captaining Adelaide from 2011-14 and earning a reputation as one of the club's best leaders.
He was appointed to the Crows' coaching panel less than two months after announcing his retirement.
West Coast has already added retired midfielder Sam Mitchell to its coaching panel for 2018 as part of a planned transition for the Hawthorn champion. The coaching box in 2017 also included assistants Adrian Hickmott, Jaymie Graham and Daniel Pratt.
Adelaide's coaching team has also undergone change following the departure of respected assistant David Teague to Carlton.
Josh Francou has joined Don Pyke's team after working with the Swans midfield for two seasons, while club great Ben Hart has returned as an assistant.
The Crows, who are yet to confirm their new structure for 2018, said they were disappointed to lose a quality person like van Berlo.
"Nathan has been an outstanding leader at our football club for more than a decade," head of football Brett Burton said.
"During his time at West Lakes he has been an exceptional role model both on and off the field and someone who always made those around him better.
"While we are disappointed to lose someone of his quality, this is a fantastic opportunity for him to continue to learn and develop in a different environment."
