Matthew Nicks became Adelaide’s ninth Senior Coach on Tuesday, an announcement that prompted a flurry of support from several key figures in Nicks’ career.
AFL great Michael O’Loughlin, who was drafted to Sydney alongside Nicks in the 1994 draft, responded to the news on Twitter, expressing how proud he was of his former teammate.
Incredible news regarding our great mate Matty Nicks. New head coach of the @Adelaide_FC So proud of him https://t.co/67uKSnGHiR
— Mick O'Loughlin (@MickOLoughlin) October 15, 2019
A former teammate and housemate, Jude Bolton, was another Swan who took to Twitter in support of Nicks, referencing his “great footy brain”.
Lived with Nicksy in Sydney for a while. Legend.
— Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) October 15, 2019
He is a super passionate bloke, a great footy brain who can build rapport easily with players.
Excited to see how you go ‘Desert Head’ @MickOLoughlin @Nicksy2323 https://t.co/nveiVe7saV
Troy Gray, who was at the Swans when Nicks arrived, replied to Bolton’s tweet with the comment “good guys can finish on top”.
Big news! Good guys can finish on top! Great appointment
— Troy Gray (@Troy_Gray) October 15, 2019
Another former teammate - and Crows ambassador - Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald was quick to show his support for Nicks, labelling him “one of the most genuine blokes you’ll meet”.
Very excited about this appointment. Fortunate to play footy with Nicksy, one of the most genuine blokes you’ll meet. West Adelaide boy who’s super driven to succeed. Welcome to the fam @Nicksy2323 are you looking for any mature age rookies? #weflyasone https://t.co/xsdz5oqWNp
— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) October 15, 2019
The Sydney Swans congratulated their former player on his new role alongside a throwback image from Nicks’ playing days.
Congratulations to former Swan Matthew Nicks on his appointment as senior coach of the Adelaide Crows. pic.twitter.com/TejtHtJ9Al
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) October 15, 2019
Greater Western Sydney, where Nicks spent the past year as a senior assistant coach, also sent their best wishes.
All the best, Nicksy
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 15, 2019
From one head coach to another, Brisbane Heat’s Darren Lehmann was also full of positivity about Nicks’ appointment.
Congrats To Matthew Nicks on his appt to the @Adelaide_FC , good luck land hope the family are excited and looking forward to the challenge also and thanks to Don Pyke for all the work over the time at the club , all the best for the family in the future. https://t.co/6PKXL8EqBJ
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) October 15, 2019
