North Adelaide appoint Josh Francou as Hostplus SANFL League coach

By ZAC MILBANK 

North Adelaide has appointed favourite son Josh Francou for the next two seasons as it begins a new era in the Hostplus SANFL League. 

Francou, who previously coached the Roosters at League level from 2011 to 2013, will return to Prospect where he also played 58 games from 1993 to 1996, claiming the Magarey Medal in his final season.

Boasting extensive AFL experience across 156 games as a star midfielder for Port Adelaide – he was All-Australian in 2002 – Francou has also coached held assistant roles at three AFL clubs – Sydney, Adelaide and Gold Coast.

“I’m thrilled to be back at North coaching the club,” Francou said.

”I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to work with the players, staff, and wider North Adelaide community heading into the 2026 season.”

North President Kris Mooney said Francou ”stood out” amongst the high calibre pool of candidates.

”With his passion for the club, he was the ideal choice,” Mooney said.

”We are confident that his leadership, expertise, and commitment to player development will guide our team to success.

”The club also would like to acknowledge the outstanding work done by interim coach, Sam Mayes, his commitment and energy has ensured that the playing group remained united in this challenging year and he represented the club at the highest level.”

Francou steadily built the Roosters in his first stint at the helm from 2011 to 2013, guiding North to the 2013 SANFL Grand Final from the Elimination Final.

He replaces Jacob Surjan, who parted ways with North after six matches this season after taking the club to the 2020 and 2022 title-deciders.