BURGESS OFF TO CROWS

A KEY architect behind Melbourne’s premiership run is heading to the Crows.

Darren Burgess will join Adelaide as its new highperformance manager after serving the Demons in that role for the past two seasons.

Melbourne had one of the healthiest lists in the AFL this year and a strong record of running out games.

Burgess was keen to return to South Australia for family reasons after two previous stints at Port Adelaide, as well as working for English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Liverpool in similar roles.

His background also includes time with the Socceroos and Football Australia.

Burgess will oversee the Crows’ AFL and AFLW programs.

“To have someone of Darren’s experience and expertise is a significant addition to our club,” Adelaide football boss Adam Kelly said.