West Adelaide FC Media Release – Adam Hartlett

West Adelaide FC Media Release – 4/7/25

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.