Norwood’s premiership coach Nathan Bassett is moving to the Essendon Football Club as an assistant coach in the AFL.
Norwood confirmed the move today.
“The offer that Nathan has accepted is a great opportunity for him to continue his coaching development and we wish him every success and we know that Essendon have made a great appointment,” the club said.
“Although we are sad to be losing Nathan he has established a legacy that will endure for many years here at Norwood and the Board is determined that our next Senior Coach will continue to build on the success of our back to back premierships.”
Bassett joins a string of ex-Crows who will work under fill-in senior coach Mark Thompson while James Hird serves his 12-month suspension.
You might like
Neil Craig, who coached Bassett at Adelaide, has been appointed the club’s head of coaching development and strategy.
Simon Goodwin, who played with Bassett at Adelaide, is also an assistant coach at Essendon.
The 36-year-old Bassett said he was excited about his opportunity to ply his trade at the elite level.
“I’m really excited to be joining Essendon as an assistant coach for the next two seasons,” he said.
Stay informed, daily
“To work alongside the likes of Mark Thompson and Neil Craig is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to share my experience and football knowledge with this exciting group of players.”
Senior coach Mark Thompson said Nathan would be a great addition to the club’s coaching panel.
“Nathan comes highly regarded, and has proven his credentials and talents as coach during his time at Norwood in the SANFL,” Thompson said.
“Three grand finals and two flags in four years at Norwood footy club is a terrific effort.”
Football operations manager Steve Alessio said it was great to have the coaching panel locked in for 2014.
“Nathan really impressed us during the selection process and we feel he will complement our coaching panel,” Alessio said.
“With the pre-season just around the corner it’s great to have our team of coaches locked in and ready to roll up their sleeves.”
Bassett played 210 games for Adelaide between 1998 and 2008.
