Richard Douglas returns to the Bay in dual football role

The club is pleased to announce that Richard Douglas has been appointed in a dual role of Senior Men’s Assistant Coach and GFCW Football Operations & Talent Manager.

Douglas is well-known in the football community, with nearly two decades of SANFL and AFL experience up his sleeve.

Originally hailing from Victoria, Douglas came to Glenelg as part of the SANFL ‘mini draft’ for AFL recruits from interstate. Between 2006 and 2012, Douglas played 27 games in the black and gold.

After an impressive first season at the Bay, Douglas made his AFL debut for Adelaide Football Club in the Round 21 Showdown of 2006. Although, his breakthrough year would come in 2008, when he played 22 out of 26 games.

Across his 14-year AFL career, Douglas racked up 246 games and collected three Best Team Man awards, one Club Champion, and an AFC Life Membership. The midfielder / forward retired from AFL at the end of 2019 and went on to play 46 SANFL games with Norwood in 2020 and 2021.

Outside of his playing career, Douglas is a Level 2 coach and holds an advanced diploma in business and sport management, as well as a certificate in player development and welfare. He has recently undertaken the roles of Director of Football Coaching at St Peter’s College, and Head Development Coach at Simon Black Academy.

Now, Douglas is excited to use his extensive footy experience and knowledge to further develop the club’s programs in 2023 and beyond.

“We expect him to offer great support to Lexia, our assistant coaches and the GFCW playing squad, as well as our South East zone. We also expect Richard to be a great support in our senior men’s program, especially with our leadership group and talented emerging players,” CEO Justin Scripps said.

Welcome to the Home Of The Bays, Richard!