Experienced SANFL premiership ruckman Sam Baulderstone has joined Adelaide’s coaching ranks.

Baulderstone has taken on a part-time role as the Crows’ ruck coach, replacing Matthew Clarke who will focus entirely on coaching the Club’s AFLW team this year.

The 33-year-old played 137 games for Norwood from 2013 to 2020, winning back to back flags in 2013 and 2014.

He made the SANFL’s team of the year five times and finished runner-up in Norwood’s best-and-fairest on four occasions.

After retiring from the SANFL in 2020, Baulderstone played Division 1 Amateur footy before spending the past two seasons as Glenelg’s midfield coach.

Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said the addition of Baulderstone would also enable Clarke to shift his year-round focus on Adelaide’s highly-successful AFLW program.

“Sam is a terrific addition to our coaching team and brings a wealth of experience,” Kelly said.

“He was one of the leading ruckmen in the SANFL competition for a sustained period and has spent the past two years developing his coaching skills with Glenelg which included being part of their 2023 premiership.

“The appointment comes as a result of the increasing demands on our AFLW Head Coach, Doc Clarke, and his dedication to that role.

“Doc has been an asset to our footy club in many and varied roles which have included being ruck coach since 2008.

"We thank Doc for his enduring commitment and dedication to our Club.”