Jarrad Wright signed until 2026

The South Adelaide Football Club has appointed Jarrad Wright Senior Coach for the next two years. 

Close to completing his 7^th season at the helm, Wright’s extension will see him surpass Haydyn Bunton Jr as South Adelaide’s longest serving senior coach.

Club Captain during Bunton’s tenure and now President Geoff Baynes said following last year’s football review the Club had adopted a series of recommendations designed to deliver long-term success. 

“To his credit Jarrad has embraced the recommendations from the Review and importantly embarked on a rebuilding program looking to play as many local young players as possible and develop a game style that will hold up to the pressure of finals football,” said Geoff Baynes.

“While we have been challenged by injury to key players at times this year, we have maintained our competitiveness throughout the season."

“The work Jarrad's has done with our very young side has given the Board the confidence to contract him for the next two years so he can continue with the team's development.”

Jarrad Wright said he is grateful for the support of the Club and enthusiastic about the playing group moving forward. 

“I am very humbled and honoured that the Board has the same confidence in myself and the strategy we set out late last year. The Football program is working as hard as ever to fast track this group and we are seeing some good growth towards the success we are striving for."

“I have no doubts that our young group will continue to improve next year and in the future. The synergy and connection within the group is as best as I have seen in my time as head coach and the foundation of work this year will hold us in a strong position in future seasons."

“I coach to play and win finals, I am experienced in doing so and I am more than confident I can develop and lead this young group deep into finals again.”

Wright started as Panthers Coach in 2018, taking the team to finals in his first season. A sixth placing in 2019 was followed by consecutive season’s with losses in preliminary finals. Losses of player’s to retirement, the AFL and injury saw the Panthers finish 6^th in 2022 before a disappointing 2023 season.

This season has seen the team start to rebuild under Wright with the introduction of a number young players to the senior team. The Panthers have debuted 16 players this season with 9 coming from the Club’s zone.