Brad Ferrall steps down as Norwood SANFLW coach

By ALEXANDRA BULL

Norwood’s SANFLW coach Brad Farrell has stepped down from his senior coaching role effective immediately.

Increased work commitments outside of his coaching duties and personal reasons contributed to Ferrall stepping down after eight rounds of the season.

Current Norwood SANFLW Assistant Coach and Development League Coach Alison Ferrall will take on the position as interim coach as the club starts the search for a new Head Coach for season 2026.

Ferrall took on the senior coaching position ahead of the 2024 season, with the Redlegs finishing in fourth place at the end of the home and away season. He then guided Norwood to the Grand Final in his first season at the helm, losing to South Adelaide by five points.

Norwood currently sit seventh on the premiership ladder with a 2-6 win-loss record.

“I have recently taken on a new role at work, which has played a part, while there’s also been some things in my personal life over the last couple of months. I’ve been battling with my mental health over this period,” Ferrall said.

“It just got to a point where I needed to step back and get myself right, rather than trying to push through it and end up in a bad way.

“Norwood is the club I grew up supporting and loving; I still love the club and I’d love to continue in the role. It’s been an awesome experience, but it was a decision that had to be made.”

He will continue to carry out a role on game day as a line coach for the remainder of the season.

Norwood Football Club General Manager of Football Richard Kelly thanked Brad for his commitment to the role and support of the playing group.

“Brad has been nothing short of impressive across his two seasons as Senior Coach at the Redlegs, we thank him for everything he has done and achieved in his role,” Kelly said.

“His commitment to the players has been unwavering, and he has worked tirelessly to get the best out of everyone in the program.

“We wish Brad all the best across the back end of the season, and into the future.”

Prior to taking on the Norwood SANFLW senior coach role, Ferrall was an assistant within Norwood’s SANFLW program under former coach Brad Snell, following on from a stint as a women’s coach at Morphetville Park Football Club.