ADELAIDE has appointed its new AFLW coach, with former player and current AFL assistant coach Matthew Clarke taking the reins.
Clarke, who has been an assistant coach at the Crows since 2008, will start in his AFLW role immediately and will continue to work as ruck coach for the AFL side.
He will also be in charge of the entire AFLW program, including coaching, player development, leadership and strategic planning.
Adelaide head of football Brett Burton said Clarke already had a strong understanding of the club's AFLW system.
"While his football experience is obviously impressive, Matt also has a brilliant strategic mind and brings a strong focus on personal development and culture, which is important," Burton said.
"As a club, we went through a thorough process to get the best person for this role and Matt brings a wealth of experience and qualities which we feel will strengthen out women's program.
"We are confident that under his tutelage the women and girls involved with our club will continue to progress and excel both on and off the field."
Clarke will replace premiership coach Bec Goddard, who parted ways with the club after the 2018 season and returned to Canberra.
"It's not a development opportunity, it's a destination. [We have] a committed group of athletes with great upside. They want to get better," Clarke said at his first press conference as senior coach.
"[It’s a] highly competitive competition and a well-resourced club … if you're into coaching, those are the core elements you're looking for.
"[Having a women’s team] is one of the best things to happen to our footy club."
The club is yet to settle on assistant coaches, which this year included Andrew McLeod, Peter Caven, Mark Moody and Andrew Hodges.
The 44-year-old Clarke played 258 AFL games for Brisbane, Adelaide and St Kilda from 1993 to 2007. He was also on Richmond's list, but didn't play a game.
Adelaide finished fifth of eight sides this year but was only one win away from qualifying for a second Grand Final after its 2017 triumph.
The trade and re-signing period starts on May 23 and will run until June 4. Former NAB AFLW Rising Star winner Ebony Marinoff has already re-signed, while superstar midfielder Erin Phillips has also signalled her intention to return to the club.
Clarke said he rated the 2018 squad highly, which was a reason why he applied for the job.
"The program that our team's put together is really strong. We've got a strong list," he said.
"We'll build on that. (General manager of football) Phil Harper's in Melbourne as we speak. I'm confident by the time the season rolls around we'll have a really strong squad and be really competitive."
AFL.com.au understands the Crows had 15 applicants for the position. There was a short-list of four, with two men and two women.
