How a Tassie coach without an AFL background just landed a top SANFL role

How a Tassie coach without an AFL background just landed a top SANFL role reports that Jack Maher has been appointed interim senior coach at SANFL club South Adelaide. Maher, a former South Launceston player and coach from Tasmania, took over less than two years after helping win an NTFA premiership cup and is one of only two coaches in the league who have not played AFL. He succeeds Jarrod Wright, who coached the Panthers since 2018. Maher previously worked as the forward-line coach and then mentored the reserves after moving into that role, and he will coach his first match on Saturday. The club says South Adelaide sits seventh on the ladder with six games remaining, chasing a top-five finish. South Adelaide’s general manager of football Brent Reilly praised Maher’s impact and connection with the playing group. Maher said the team’s aim is to maintain its approach and build consistency, citing strong four-quarter form against Port.