A South Australian Riverland football coach who trafficked methamphetamine "ran off the rails" and should be spared jail, his lawyer has told the District Court.

Arrod Steven Westley, 31, was originally charged with more than 100 drug-related offences.

The number of charges were reduced and he pleaded guilty to 15 counts of drug trafficking as well as selling a controlled drug and possessing prescribed equipment.

He was a passenger in a car that was pulled over by police on the Old Sturt Highway last October in which officers found methamphetamine.

The drug was also found hidden in Westley's underwear.

Westley was head coach of the Lyrup Football Club and took the A-grade team to a premiership.

He is also a former coach of the Paringa Football Club, where his father is a life member.

Drugs were a 'coping mechanism'

During sentencing submissions in the District Court, his lawyer Eugene McGee said Westley quickly became addicted to methamphetamine after suffering a relationship breakdown and sold the drug to others to support his own habit.

"He ran off the rails for a period of time but he's clearly determined to rectify what's happened and get his life back on track," Mr McGee told the court.

He told the court his client's life "somewhat broke down and his coping mechanism was to use methamphetamines", which was out of character.

Prosecutor Paul Simionato said an immediate custodial sentence was warranted as a deterrent for other people.

"This man was a role model in the community, the small community of Lyrup. He would have been classed as a role model amongst the football club," he said.

Outside court Westley said he deeply regretted his actions.

"Of course I'm sorry, it was a dark place in my life I just want to get this over and done with and move on," Westley said.

"I've rehabilitated and I just want to move on and be a good dad and make up for what I've done wrong."

He said others who might be tempted to choose the path he did should think twice.

"It's silly, it's a whirlwind and it's just not worth it. It's been the worst year of my life," he said.

Westley said he wanted to rejoin the local football community "one day".

"They know me, they know the type of person I am and this isn't me," he said.

He has been remanded on continuing bail ahead of his sentencing in August.