Former high-flying Crows forward Brett Burton will return to the Club in the newly-created role of General Manager of High Performance.

Burton, 37, will oversee Adelaide’s sports science, medical, and strength and conditioning teams.

The two-time Crows leading goalkicker, who most recently headed up the fitness regime at the Brisbane Lions, played 177 AFL games and kicked 264 goals for Adelaide between 1999 and 2010.

In another change to the fitness team, Physical Performance Manager Nick Poulos will depart the Club to take up a role with Australian Sevens Rugby in the lead up to the 2016 Olympic Games. Poulos is in discussions to continue to work with the Crows in a consultancy role.

Head of Football David Noble credited Poulos, who joined the Crows ahead of the 2012 season, for helping to establish a foundation of elite systems and analysis in the physical performance area.

“Nick’s technical knowledge is great and he has been a dedicated and hard-working member of our physical performance team,” Noble said.

“We wish him and his family the very best as they embark on a new adventure.”

The Crows will also bid farewell to Assistant Coach Darren Milburn, and development coaches Ian Callinan and Jarrod Cotton.

Milburn, who has mentored Adelaide’s defenders since 2012, will return to Victoria with his family.

Callinan and wife Lauren are also heading home to Tasmania as they prepare for their third child. The SANFL Crows captain and two-time State League Club Champion plans to continue his decorated football career back where it started.

Adelaide’s defensive Development Coach, Cotton has accepted a position at another club.

Noble praised the efforts of Milburn and Cotton in helping to develop the Club’s young backline.

“Darren has played a crucial role in fostering our current crop of defenders,” Noble said.

“There is no doubt Daniel Talia, Kyle Hartigan, Jake Lever and Jake Kelly among others have benefited from his knowledge and advice.

“In a short space of time, Jarrod Cotton has also been influential with those guys.”

Noble also thanked Callinan, who has served the Club as a coach, as well as a player at both AFL and SANFL level.

“He has been a popular member of our Club from the day he arrived,” he said.

“Ian is a talented football person who of late has been a steadying influence among our next generation of players in the SANFL and we wish him, Lauren and their family well.”

Assistant Coach Matthew Clarke, who has overseen the ruck and midfield, will remain at the Club after agreeing to a two-year contract extension. Heath Younie is being elevated to Development Manager while also continuing to coach the Club’s SANFL team.

Adelaide’s search for a new Senior Coach is ongoing with an announcement expected early next month.