Adelaide Crows' Two-Time AFLW Premiership Coach Matthew Clarke to Step Down After 2025 Season
Adelaide Crows’ highly successful AFLW coach, Matthew Clarke, has announced he will step down at the conclusion of the upcoming season. Clarke, who has been at the helm since 2018, has guided the Crows to two AFLW premierships and six preliminary finals, making him one of the most accomplished coaches in the league's history.
In a statement released on Thursday, Clarke expressed gratitude for his tenure, calling it the most rewarding period of his three-decade-long football career.
"My time leading this team has been the most enjoyable in my 30-plus years in football,"** Clarke said. "Stepping away will be really tough, but my experience in and around the game tells me this decision is what’s best for the team in the medium and long term."
Despite his impending departure, the 51-year-old remains fully committed to leading the team in 2025.
"For now, my focus is clear—I want to give everything I have to this season and help our players, staff, and supporters experience another incredible AFLW campaign."
Clarke, affectionately nicknamed "Doc" due to his qualifications as a veterinarian, enjoyed an esteemed AFL playing career, appearing in 258 games for Brisbane, Adelaide, and St Kilda between 1993 and 2007. After retirement, he transitioned into coaching, serving as Adelaide’s AFL ruck coach while simultaneously leading the women’s team before stepping away from his men’s coaching duties in recent years.
Crows CEO Tim Silvers praised Clarke’s immense contributions to the AFLW and the club.
"What Doc has done to grow and professionalize the women's game has been significant. He has been as influential as anyone involved in the AFLW since its inception," Silvers said. "While we will be sad to see him step down, we respect his decision and appreciate everything he has done for the club."
Clarke’s departure marks the end of an era for Adelaide, but his legacy as one of the AFLW’s most successful and influential coaches is firmly cemented.
