The process to appoint a new Senior Coach of the Adelaide Football Club is well underway.

Crows CEO Andrew Fagan talks to afc.com.au about the selection process.

The Club underwent a search for a coach fewer than 12 months ago. Obviously, the circumstances are different now. How does it change the Club’s approach to the process?

“We are in a unique situation and much has changed since we last went through the process of finding a coach. I remember saying on my first day at the Club that we wanted to deliver a leading football program in the AFL and under Walshy we were a long way down that track. We are comparatively well advanced and everyone has embraced the elite standards we now live by across all areas of our operations. Obviously, the information we gleaned from the previous process is beneficial, but we will once again do our due diligence given our changed circumstances.”

Who is on the coaching selection panel?

“Our panel comprises Football Director Mark Ricciuto, Head of Football David Noble, long-time development coach and mentor Alan Stewart and myself, and we will report to our Chairman Rob Chapman. We have already met a few times to identify the qualities and skills our next coach must possess, as well as to start assessing potential candidates.”

When do you expect to have the new Senior Coach in place?

“We will make an announcement as soon as we have found the right person. We have not set a deadline, nor do we feel as though we must rush because there is another club active in the market place. We are clear with what we want as are those we may speak with. Furthermore, we will respect the current obligations of potential candidates and that may delay some conversations until completion of respective finals campaigns. There is still plenty of research, assessment and conversation that will take place during this period so that we will be able to finalise the process shortly after completely our final interviews.”

Will the Club look to appoint a Coaching Director?

“We are not set on any particular structure. It will depend on the qualities of the individuals concerned and the structure that best suits them and the individuals around them. It could be one person coming in as a direct replacement or possibly a Senior Coach supported by a Coaching Director. We will make a judgement call once we have completed our due diligence and progressed further down the recruitment path. Our members and supporters should rest assured knowing that we will find a person who is well suited to the profile of our playing group, can build upon the framework already in place and who complements our Club’s strong values and culture.”

It’s been just over a month since Walsh’s tragic passing. How is the Club coping?

“Phil had an immense impact on our Club in such a short space of time and forged strong relationships with people across our entire organisation. There is no doubt that we miss him. I miss him. But each day is a little better. Our focus continues to be on Meredith and her family and the players, whilst also continuing to deliver on the mantra of 'getting the job done'. We are committed to making our supporters proud.”