Print this pageSturt coach Rick Macgowan is a wanted man.
But the Central District premiership player - a revelation in his first season at the Blues - has rejected approaches from at least two, and possibly three, AFL clubs to re-commit to Sturt.
It is understood Macgowan was eagerly sought by Hawthorn as an assistant coach - he played under Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson at Central - and spoke to Port Adelaide and Adelaide about assistant or development roles at their clubs. But Blues chief executive Stuart Totham says Macgowan has temporarily shelved AFL aspirations and agreed to fulfil his two-year contract at Unley.
"We are aware there has been interest from AFL clubs in Rick but I've met with him and he's committed to Sturt for next year," Totham said, noting Macgowan had some unfinished business.
"There's been a bit happening so we've spoken to him but he will be coaching the Double Blues in 2008."
Hawthorn was Macgowan's keenest suitor while Port is still searching for a replacement for departed midfield coach Dean Bailey and a second development coach. Adelaide last week completed its coaching panel with the signings of former Crows stars Ben Hart (defence) and Matthew Clarke (ruck).
Totham said Sturt understood Macgowan, who took the Blues from eighth to fifth this year, was highly regarded and might have AFL aspirations but it wanted him to complete his contract before thinking about moving on.
Totham said the Sturt coaching panel would remain the same as 2007 after it talked assistant and reserves coach Luke Norman into staying after he had extensive talks with South Adelaide.
The Panthers had wanted Norman to be one of three assistants to new coach John Cahill.
"He certainly had an opportunity presented to him at South which appealed to him," Totham said.
"We managed to give him our perspective on the opportunities at Sturt and he decided to stay.
"And we're really pleased about that because it means we've got the same coaching group in place for next year, which is great for stability."
Norman joins former Power wingman Donald Dickie as an assistant to Macgowan, Peter Young will remain U19s coach and Chris Brown U17s mentor.
Former Central and St Kilda wingman Daniel Healy is understood to be in line for a development role at Port after Power premiership player Josh Mahoney knocked back the job to join Bailey's coaching panel at Melbourne as forward line coach.
Jared Brennan has signed a three-year deal with the Lions.
Courtesy of The Advertiser
Story by Andrew Capel