West Adelaide secure Nathan Bassett as senior coach

By ZAC MILBANK

West Adelaide has landed the prized signature of dual Norwood premiership mentor Nathan Bassett to be its senior coach for the next three seasons.

Bassett, who guided the Redlegs to back-to-back flags in 2012 and 2013, arrives at Hisense Stadium boasting significant AFL experience having worked with Essendon, Port Adelaide and most recently, Melbourne as an assistant.

The 48-year-old also spent the 2024 season at The Parade in a coaching coordinator role, giving him recent insight into the Hostplus SANFL League.

“I’m super excited to join the West Adelaide Football Club,” said Bassett, who played 210 AFL games for Adelaide between 1998 and 2008.

”I’m looking forward to coaching again and building a platform that can make us a successful football club for the long term.

“What I like is that we can see a way forward. There are strategies in place and good young talent both at senior level and coming through the juniors, reflected in our Under-16s SANFL premiership win, and Under-18s appearance in the Grand Final, on the weekend.

”I’m here to break the cycle.”

West Adelaide President Alison Surjan said the club was delighted to secure someone of Bassett’s stature to take the reins at Richmond.

“Nathan’s record speaks for itself,” Surjan said.

“He is an exceptional football mind with proven success in developing players and building high-performing teams.

”His leadership and experience will play a key role at West Adelaide and this is a major step in our club becoming relevant again in the League.”

West parted ways with previous mentor Adam Hartlett after he stepped down from his role after Round 8 this season.

Reserves coach Sam Elliott was elevated to be the Bloods’ caretaker coach for the remainder of the campaign, securing a win in the last minor round match against South Adelaide.