PREMIERSHIP-WINNING defender Ben Hart has returned to Adelaide's coaching panel for the 2018 season.
Hart spent four years at West Lakes as an assistant coach from 2008-2011 and five years at Collingwood before working in the media for the 2017 season.
Hart is the second addition to the Crows' coaching panel after Josh Francou joined the club from Sydney, while David Teague has left the Crows and moved to Carlton.
The Crows have yet to finalise what roles their assistant coaches will have next year.
Hart – who played 311 games for the Crows, including the 1997 and 1998 premierships – was the defensive coach when he was at the Magpies.
Former Crows and Cats key forward James Podsiadly is the Crows' current defensive coach.
Francou focused on the midfield when he was an assistant at the Swans, an area currently occupied by Scott Camporeale.
Teague looked after the forward line during his time with the Crows.
Hart said he enjoyed being back at the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player.
"West Lakes has always felt like a home to me," Hart said.
"I first walked in the doors as a 16-year-old and to get the chance to return 26 years later is something that really excites me.
"It was a fantastic experience to be able to coach at Collingwood and something that improved me as a person.
"I've admired this current playing and coaching group from afar over the past few years and can't wait to get to get to work with them."
Crows head of football Brett Burton said Hart brought a wealth of football experience.
"Ben has been involved in elite football for more than 25 years and knows what it takes to achieve the ultimate success," Burton said.
"He is a quality person and we feel his skillset will complement the current coaching group well."
In further coaching news for the club, former stars Andrew McLeod and Peter Caven have joined Adelaide's AFLW coaching team to help senior coach Bec Goddard's quest for back-to-back premierships.
Crows football administration manager Phil Harper said the appointment of McLeod and Caven would strengthen the side’s coaching ranks for the forthcoming AFLW season.
"Andrew and Peter bring a wealth of experience and a key part of their roles will be one-on-one craft education sessions with our players," Harper said.