Neil Passmore Craig

AFL Coach Neil Craig’s journey through the world of Australian rules football is a tapestry woven with dedication and success. From his formative years as a player to his impactful coaching career, Craig’s story is one that resonates with perseverance and achievement. As he navigated the highs and lows of the sport, his approach to leadership and team dynamics stood out.

Early Life

During his formative years, Neil Craig demonstrated a passion for sports and leadership. Growing up, he showed a keen interest in various sports and often took on leadership roles within his teams. This early exposure to sports helped shape Craig’s future career in coaching and fitness advising.

His natural ability to lead and motivate others became evident at a young age, setting the foundation for his successful journey in the world of Australian Rules Football. Craig’s enthusiasm for sports and his innate leadership qualities were apparent early on, laying the groundwork for his future accomplishments as a coach and fitness expert in the AFL.

Playing Career

Neil Craig’s playing career in the SANFL was marked by impressive achievements and contributions to multiple teams. He played 319 games, scored 220 goals, and participated in 11 State of Origin matches for South Australia. Representing Norwood, Sturt, and North Adelaide, Craig won SANFL premierships with Norwood in 1975 and 1978, and he captained Sturt in 1985 and 1986. The table below highlights key aspects of Neil Craig’s playing career:

Coaching Career

Moving from his successful playing career in the SANFL, Neil Craig’s coaching journey in the AFL showcases a legacy of leadership and achievement.

He started coaching Norwood from 1991 to 1995 before taking on the role of head coach for the Adelaide Crows from 2004 to 2011.

During his time with the Crows, Craig led the team to their first minor premiership in 2005 and two successive preliminary finals in 2005 and 2006. His tenure also saw the team achieve five consecutive finals appearances.

After resigning as senior coach in 2011, Craig took on various roles within Melbourne and Essendon Football Club. His impact on team performance and outcomes has been widely recognized within the AFL.

Coaching Stats

Throughout his coaching career in the AFL, Neil Craig achieved notable coaching statistics that reflected his impact on team performance and outcomes. Craig led the Adelaide Crows to their first minor premiership in 2005 and took them to two successive preliminary finals in 2005 and 2006. Under his guidance, the Crows achieved five consecutive finals appearances.

Craig’s coaching tenure included a record of 4-9 after taking over from Gary Ayres mid-season. He resigned following a heavy defeat in round 18 of the 2011 season. Craig’s coaching achievements are recognized for their influence on team success and his contributions to the AFL landscape.