Adelaide has finalised a four-person panel which will identify and select the Club’s next Senior Coach.

Crows CEO Andrew Fagan and Football Director Mark Ricciuto will be assisted by former player and assistant coach James Podsiadly, and four-time Olympian and championship winning basketball coach Phil Smyth.

As has been the case in previous recruitment processes, the Club may call on other appropriately qualified people at different stages to support their decision making.

Podsiadly, who was part of Geelong’s 2011 premiership team, is currently CEO of AFL Max and works within the AFL’s Game Analysis Team, while Smyth has an outstanding record in basketball and is renowned for his work mentoring both athletes and coaches across a range of sports.

Fagan said the Club had settled on the right mix of football and coaching acumen, with the panel to meet in coming days to finalise the selection criteria.

“James brings a wealth of football experience as a recently retired player who has spent time in the coaches box and at the AFL where he has been part of a team analysing the trends of the modern game,” Fagan said.

“Meanwhile, Phil is an internationally experienced basketball player and coach who has won six NBL championships and provided leadership and mentoring expertise to AFL coaches and players over a number of years.

“They will both provide invaluable insights and judgement in the selection of a coach who has the qualities and skills best suited to our playing group and environment as we strive for premiership success.”

The panel will identify the best candidate and make a formal recommendation requiring approval by the Club’s Board of Directors, with the process expected to take up to several weeks.