SANFL 2025

[northerner]

You can be absolutely certain that the Club would have ensured Jezza knew the door was open and that their best wishes were passed on as he followed his dream.
It would be human nature for the playing group to possibly not be as understanding (as opposed to their reactions towards Dudz and Mani for instance)

[Dogs64]

You can be absolutely certain that the Club would have ensured Jezza knew the door was open and that their best wishes were passed on as he followed his dream.
It would be human nature for the playing group to possibly not be as understanding (as opposed to their reactions towards Dudz and Mani for instance)

Correct, Jezza was never drafted - big dfference.

[Hazydog]

I’d have thought if the door was left open it would be under the circumstances of leaving Port, and not to keep him match fit playing ressies for us this year. Just my take and mindful I’m more old school than not..

[Booney]

The West Adelaide Football Club wishes to advise that, following extensive consideration, the Board has made the decision to conclude Adam Hartlett’s coaching duties for the remainder of the 2025 season.

This is not a termination of Adam’s employment. Adam remains a valued part of our Club, and this decision is being made out of support – both for Adam and the playing group – as we navigate an unpredicted period of reflection and new opportunities for both Adam personally and our Club.

Over recent weeks, Adam has taken some time away from the Club to reflect, reset, and focus on his personal wellbeing, and develop strategies to ensure he could position himself as the best coach he can be in the future which we fully support.

Adam remains committed to his goal of continuing his career as a Head Coach and working in football in a senior capacity. The Club have advised Adam that given the circumstances of a much disrupted 2025, what is important is creating an environment with minimal further disruptions for the rest of this season. As part of that, Adam respects the fact that re-entering the coaching role at this stage could potentially destabilise that vision for the playing group. While Adam remains a deeply respected and valued member of the West Adelaide community, both parties have agreed that now is the right time to create space for a new coaching direction moving forward.

Adam has poured his heart into this club. He is deeply respected by players, staff, and community, and this step is not a reflection of his commitment or integrity. Rather, it is an opportunity to create space for Adam and the team to reset and look ahead with fresh perspectives.

Sam Elliot has been appointed as interim senior coach for the rest of season 2025 with blessing from both Adam and the playing group. We will be prioritising what opportunities this decision creates for both the Club and Adam and look forward to further supportive discussions with Adam directly to identify areas of interest and development that lie across areas like football administration, leadership, list management and analysis.

The Board will determine a process for securing a coach beyond 2025 as Adam’s employment contract will come to an end in the next few months. At this stage this is still being discussed however we will update you accordingly and as soon as possible. We need to ensure that we have the fit for purpose tools in place to set a Coach up for success. We know we have ongoing challenges in this space that need to be addressed. One we all know is the lack of financial resource hindering our ability to utilise the full salary cap. We are working through options on how to realise increased funds for this purpose at the speed of light without compromising on other areas of our Club or member offerings.



Alison Surjan

President

West Adelaide Football Club

[Booney]

Some quality wording here.

They've acknowledged the resources available to the coach on and off field aren't adequate and that needs to be be addressed.

Sounds like they've got an understanding of what needs to happen, now to make it happen.

[amber_fluid]

Interesting statement
Says alot but also says nothing

[amber_fluid]

Some quality wording here.

They've acknowledged the resources available to the coach on and off field aren't adequate and that needs to be be addressed.

Sounds like they've got an understanding of what needs to happen, now to make it happen.

Where do the $$$ come from to make it happen?

[Booney]

Interesting statement
Says alot but also says nothing

I think it's says plenty.

We need to ensure that we have the fit for purpose tools in place to set a Coach up for success. We know we have ongoing challenges in this space that need to be addressed

They know they didn't give him the support he needed to succeed.

One we all know is the lack of financial resource hindering our ability to utilise the full salary cap.

They know they can't compete if they don't spend all the cap.

I think they've made it clear they know their failings, the first step identifying and acknowledging them, now rectify them.

[amber_fluid]

Interesting statement
Says alot but also says nothing

I think it's says plenty.

We need to ensure that we have the fit for purpose tools in place to set a Coach up for success. We know we have ongoing challenges in this space that need to be addressed

They know they didn't give him the support he needed to succeed.

One we all know is the lack of financial resource hindering our ability to utilise the full salary cap.

They know they can't compete if they don't spend all the cap.

I think they've made it clear they know their failings, the first step identifying and acknowledging them, now rectify them.

They’ve merely pointed out what we already knew.
But how do they now achieve this?
That’s the million dollar question

[MW]

now ask the questions: Who is running West? Who is responsible for the finanical restrictions? Why were the restrictions put in place in the first place?

Some interesting answers there.

[Booney]

now ask the questions: Who is running West? Who is responsible for the finanical restrictions? Why were the restrictions put in place in the first place?

Some interesting answers there.

SANFL
SANFL
Who knows

[am Bays]

Wouldn't it be best for Dyson Sharpe if he plays the rest of the year at Port given that’s where he he’s likely to be next year…

[dedja]

now ask the questions: Who is running West? Who is responsible for the finanical restrictions? Why were the restrictions put in place in the first place?

Some interesting answers there.

It’s pretty clear from their financial statements over recent years that they just don’t have the funds. No point spending money you don’t have, or trying to borrow more if there’s little prospect of paying it back.

As previously mentioned a few times, no.1 priority should be addressing the issue of somehow generating more revenue.

As to the President’s statement, all it tells us is that they’re not sacking Hartlett, but rather will pay the remainder of his contract. They’re looking for a new coach next year and he’s not going to be considered.

The only other thing mentioned is that the club is broke and they’re trying to find ways to get out of that hole.

So basically, nothing new.

[am Bays]

But still West managed to spend $600 K more than Glenelg last year based on the clubs respective financial statements.

[Spargo]

But still West managed to spend $600 K more than Glenelg last year based on the clubs respective financial statements.

On what?

[southernbulldog]

ok ambays tell us where Dyson Sharp will be next year

[dedja]

But still West managed to spend $600 K more than Glenelg last year based on the clubs respective financial statements.

On what?

It’s not an apples for apples comparison.

For example, Glenelg book all admin expenses against non-football (venue/gaming, etc) rather than the football entity, whilst West book against both. That alone accounts for about $550K of West’s ‘football costs.

Overall, Glenelg’s total expenses are $650k+ more than West, but critically, their total revenue is approx $1.4M more than West.

[amber_fluid]

But still West managed to spend $600 K more than Glenelg last year based on the clubs respective financial statements.

On what?

Not on beers after a win

[gazzamagoo]

ok ambays tell us where Dyson Sharp will be next year

Not with us.

[Dutchy]

A bit more info here -

Dear Members,

Is everyone gearing up for SANFL super round this weekend against Glenelg at home. I hope so, despite the showers predicted, we’re set for a great day of footy. I want to start my message this week by acknowledging the outstanding efforts of our West Adelaide women’s team. With a big final game ahead, it’s important to reflect on the big year they’ve had, filled with ups and downs. The ups consisting of player culture and comradery and skill development being realised on field. The downs, reflected on the scoreboard, especially when the wins were insight only minutes before the final siren on gamedays. We all share their frustrations around their lack of facilities, at Richmond, and the solution from our landlords is constantly being discussed and we will push this to be realised as a key priority for both the WAFC and the City of West Torrens. No doubt the players all feel frustrated, as have coaching staff, when playing finals is no longer a reality, but the leadership in this group are truly incredible women and I hope for their futures to be secured at Westies. We will provide a supportive club for them to all look forward to a bigger and better season 2026. The tickets for their annual Best and Fairest have just been advertised so please get in quickly. It’s always such a fantastic night full of energy, comradery and of course a perfect opportunity for you along with the club to honour all our women and girls who choose to chase their dreams at West Adelaide.

Overall, it’s been another couple of big weeks for WAFC, last weeks results at league level, continue to cause unrest and disappointment. We acknowledge that we share in that, but look for the positives, and celebrate the small wins. Our other teams including 16’s,18’s and reserves all had wins, and we need to celebrate this as the pathways to league are getting stronger here at West Adelaide.

I know that a lot of questions have been asked about our Senior Men’s Coaching future so it’s time to share an important update regarding our senior men’s program. Following extensive discussions, the West Adelaide Football Club Board has made the decision to conclude Adam Hartlett’s coaching duties for the remainder of the 2025 season. This has been discussed with Adam, he has been consulted personally for his feedback on this messaging as the priority for the Club is to ensure that this communication is both factual and an accurate reflection of these discussions.

To be absolutely clear, this is not a termination of Adam’s employment. Adam remains a valued member of the Bloods, and this decision is being made out of support—both for Adam and for our playing group—as we navigate an unpredicted period of reflection and new opportunities for both Adam personally and our Club.

Over the recent weeks, Adam has requested personal leave. He used this time away from WAFC to reflect, reset, and focus on his wellbeing and strategies to ensure he could position himself as the best coach he can be in the future which we fully support.

Adam remains committed to his goal of continuing his career as a Head Coach and working in football in a senior capacity. The Club have advised Adam that given the circumstances of a much disrupted 2025, what is important is creating an environment with minimal further disruptions for the rest of this season. As part of that, Adam respects the fact that re-entering the coaching role at this stage, could potentially destabilise that vision for the playing group. While Adam remains a deeply respected and valued member of the West Adelaide community, both parties have agreed that now is the right time to create space for a new coaching direction moving forward.

Adam has poured his heart into this Club. He is deeply respected by players, staff, and community, and this step is not a reflection of his commitment or integrity. Rather, it is an opportunity to create space for Adam and the team to reset and look ahead with fresh perspectives.

Sam Elliot has been appointed as interim senior coach for the rest of season 2025 with blessing from both Adam and the playing group. We will be prioritising what opportunities this decision creates for both the Club and Adam and look forward to further supportive discussions with Adam directly to identify areas of interest and development that lie across areas like football administration, leadership, list management and analysis.

The Board will determine a process for securing a coach beyond 2025 as Adam’s employment contract will come to an end in the next few months. At this stage this is still being discussed however we will update you accordingly and as soon as possible. We need to ensure that we have the fit for purpose tools in place to set a Coach up for success. We know we have ongoing challenges in this space that need to be addressed. One we all know is the lack of financial resource hindering our ability to utilise the full salary cap. We are working through options on how to realise increased funds for this purpose at the speed of light without compromising on other areas of our club or member offerings.

I know I have offered a financial update, this is coming, so I thank you for your patience. Our CEO Adam has been reviewing the details, reforecasting, looking at budget detail, and realigning line items that reflect on our management reports. What I will offer when it is provided, will be a true and accurate reflection, the good, the challenging and the uncertainty that unfortunately has been a challenge for West Adelaide for many, many years. This is a work in progress and not a quick fix, however we remain positive to the cause, and committed to our course of short and medium term strategies to improve our overall position as a football club.

To our loyal members and supporters—thank you. Your belief in your club in a forever changing landscape, is what continues to drive us forward. We remain focused on building a stronger, more united West Adelaide, and we know that your continued support will be vital.

Kind Regards
Alison

Alison Surjan

President, West Adelaide Football Club