The late Dean Bailey, and his passion for teaching emerging footballers, is being recognised with a special honour at the Adelaide Football Club.

The ‘Dean Bailey Award’ rewards the best development squad player in the Crows SANFL team.

It will be judged on performance, commitment to training, maximising potential, and being a team player.

Only non-AFL listed players are eligible.

Bailey passed away in March, after battling cancer with his usual resilience and positive attitude. He was 47.

Adelaide Football Club Chief Executive Steven Trigg described Bailey as a fiercely loyal and caring man, who has left a lasting impression on everyone at the Crows.

“Dean loved players who left no stone unturned in getting the best out of their ability,” Trigg said.

“He also relished seeing people who had been written off by others, perform to their best and achieve.

“With that in mind, this award is a perfect fit.”

Bailey’s wife, Caron, expressed immense pride that an award had been established in her husband’s honour.

“The boys and I, and the Bailey family, are thrilled,” she said.

“It is special to us that he will always be remembered for his contribution to the development of players.

“This was where he held a keen interest, always educating, questioning and guiding players and coaches, to improve on their skills and knowledge in footy and life.”

Bailey played for Essendon and Glenelg, before embarking on a coaching career with Queensland club Mt Gravatt, Essendon, Port Adelaide and Melbourne.

He joined Adelaide in September 2011 as strategy and innovation coach.