Geelong’s coaching stocks are set to be bolstered with highly regarded assistant coach James Rahilly poised to join to the Cattery.
Rahilly has been with the Crows from the 2021 season and has led the forwards through a period of growth for the Adelaide Football Club.
As first reported by the Herald Sun, he will likely join the assistant coach merry-go-round in uniting with Geelong in a big snare for Chris Scott’s coaching panel.
Rahilly is yet to officially sign with Geelong.
Adelaide footy boss Adam Kelly described Rahill as “instrumental” in building connection across the Crows group and conceded it was unfortunate the former midfielder had decided to leave West Lakes.
But Rahilly described the opportunity as one too good to turn down.
“I’ve loved my time here and grown very close with the players, coaches and staff,” Rahilly said.
A Club favourite who will certainly leave big shoes to fill – thanks for everything, Rahls 🤝🙌
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) October 6, 2023
Click the photo for full details #weflyasone
“I’m also very proud of the progress we’ve made over the past three years under Nicksy and it’s clear the Club is heading in the right direction and towards success in the near future.
“I’d like to thank Adelaide for giving me the opportunity to broaden my coaching experience in 2021 but now the opportunity to continue that back home with my family is too good to pass up, and I leave wishing the Club nothing but the best.”
It comes after Shaun Grigg departed Geelong – despite being in contract – to take up a coaching role under Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast.
SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund revealed earlier in October the Cats are also chasing Steven King from the Suns.
2023 marked disappointing season for Geelong as the Cats missed finals for just the second time in Scott’s tenure.
Scott is contracted until the end of 2024 but reports earlier this year suggested he’s poised to extend his deal until 2026.