With Adelaide now also coachless with the resignation of Don Pyke, the Crows join Fremantle in the hunt for a new number one man. Pyke leaves the Crows after four seasons and an impressive winning percentage greater than 60%. Pyke took the Crows all the way to the last day in September in 2017 but hasn’t been able to reach those heights since. Now we look at five men Adelaide might pick up to replace Don.
Michael Voss
Currently assistant coach at Port Adelaide and once a head coach himself at the Lions, Voss has experience at the highest level that will seem attractive to the Crows. Voss has shot out to be an early favourite in the race to take the gig, however it’s unlikely fans will love the decision, having seen him struggle with the Lions a few seasons ago.
Ben Rutten
Affectionately remembered, ‘The Truck’ is one of Adelaide’s favourite sons, and one of the great full backs of the modern era. Rutten has been on the coaching panel at Essendon since late last year, and before that was with the Tigers for four. Rutten would be welcomed home with open arms and seems like a man who could lead a revival of the proud club he served so well as a player.
Ross Lyon
Ross is definitely one man who would love to coach until he died. Lyon has been probably the best coach going around not to win a flag, but to lose Grand Finals in 2009, 2010 and 2013 with two separate clubs. Lyon has a strong resume, but his slow and methodical style of play doesn’t suit the Crows’ far more attacking list. Although Lyon brings experience and knowledge, is he the right for for this club?
Matthew Clarke
Clarke played 258 matches across three clubs in his career, 118 of those for the Crows. Now, Clarke is fully entrenched in the Crows’ coaching panel, working as a ruck coach, assistant coach and this season he coached Adelaide’s women’s team to their second Premiership. His strong knowledge of the club will hold him in good stead if he is to throw his name in the ring, and he already has a flag under his belt.
Sam Mitchell
Definitely the outside runner of this bunch, Mitchell has only had the boots hung up for a few seasons. Mitchell as worked at both West Coast and Hawthorn since retirement and is highly regarded amongst coaching circles. Although he has spent just two seasons out of the AFL, many believe Mitchell is already right to take over a club, and one with an already talented list might be the way he needs to kick things off.
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