AFTER almost two decades of service within the AFL, Carlton’s Director of Coaching, Development and Performance Neil Craig has decided he will step away from the industry at season’s end.
The 61-year-old arrived at Ikon Park at the end of the 2015 season, in a period of significant change for the Club, leading a new coaching panel headed up by Brendon Bolton.
Craig, a veteran of 319 SANFL games, was Adelaide’s fitness adviser in their back-to-back premiership victories in 1997 and ’98. In 2004, Craig took over as Adelaide’s caretaker coach and after being awarded the permanent senior gig, in his first two seasons took Adelaide to successive preliminary finals, and five consecutive finals appearances between 2005 and 2009.
In September 2011, Craig moved to Victoria to join Melbourne as their Director of Sports Performance. He then moved to Essendon as their General Manager of Performance in 2013, before joining the Blues in the Director of Coaching, Development and Performance role.
Craig said the timing was right to step away from the increasing demands of the industry.
“While it has been an incredible journey across nearly twenty years in the industry, I am at the stage of life where the timing feels right to step back from full-time professional sport,” Craig said.
“The decision hasn’t been made lightly, but this is primarily a lifestyle decision for both my family and me.
“From a career perspective, coming to Carlton and having the opportunity to work with Brendon was most rewarding and wonderfully refreshing. I am grateful to both Carlton and Brendon for giving me that opportunity to work closely with their fantastic team of coaches, players and staff.
“Rest assured, Carlton supporters should know that this club is in great hands under the board, CEO Steven Trigg and senior coach Brendon Bolton and the direction that this Club is now heading is very exciting.”
“This game has given me so much, and I reflect on my career with much fondness and appreciation. After nearly two wonderful decades in the industry, I now look forward to the next phase of life with my family.”
Neil Craig says he's cherished the opportunity to work with senior coach Brendon Bolton. (Photo: AFL Media)
Head of Football Andrew McKay acknowledged Craig’s services to both Carlton and the AFL industry.
“Neil arrived at Carlton at a time where the Club was undergoing a total reset across all areas of the business, particularly in the football department.
“Working closely with Brendon, Neil has played a significant role in the development of all our coaches, as well as the high performance team,” McKay said.
“He has been a terrific football person with a long and distinguished career in the system. His departure is a loss for this industry but one we understand.”
Senior coach Brendon Bolton said Craig had made a significant contribution to the Club in his time.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to Neil for his dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm to our program. His many and varied experiences in the industry greatly provided a great sounding board for our coaching panel,” Bolton said.
“On a personal note, I have developed a strong relationship with Neil over the past two years. I am incredibly appreciative of the investment he has made and the program we have built in that period.
“As a club, we wish Neil, wife Christine and his family the best for their next phase of life and thank him for the contribution he has made to Carlton.”
The Club will commence the recruitment process to appoint a suitable replacement over the coming weeks.
