Norwood Coach Jade Rawlings accepts coaching role at Fremantle

Norwood senior coach Jade Rawlings has accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Fremantle Football Club, rejoining the AFL after four seasons at the Redlegs.

The Fremantle Football Club announced the appointment on Tuesday afternoon that Rawlings would be taking on the Dockers backline coach role.

“Twig” Rawlings has coached Norwood’s SANFL side since the 2021 season, relocating to South Australia to take on the position following more than 20 years as a player and coach in the AFL system.

Across his four seasons at Norwood, Rawlings coached the Redlegs to three finals series and two Grand Finals, which included the 2022 SANFL Premiership victory.

Rawlings said it was a difficult decision to leave the Norwood Football Club, a place that meant a great deal to him.

“My four years at Norwood have been incredible,” Rawlings said.

“Norwood’s had a really positive influence on my life. To transition my family to SA to coach Norwood was a big deal, and hopefully that reflected our commitment to the club, staff, coaches and players. We have had lifetime experiences that we won’t forget.

“This opportunity at Fremantle really has only emerged over the past week, and it’s all happened quite suddenly, but the opportunity to get back involved at the highest level was too good to pass up, particularly with the club I’m going to be working with.

“The journey at Norwood has been outstanding. There was a lot that needed to be done when I first arrived, and it’s for others to judge, but over the four years we have presented positive footy and a lot of player and staff growth.

“Norwood’s in a great spot. The five-point loss in this year’s Grand Final is still very raw, but overall the growth of many players and the team being dominant for periods of time this year was so positive.

“The four years have been an unbelievable time in my life, let alone my footy. I will look fondly on my time in SA.”

During his time at Norwood, Rawlings was appointed State Coach and led the SANFL State Team to victories over the WAFL and VFL in 2023 and 2024, and was named The Advertiser Coach of the Year in 2024.

Norwood Football Club CEO James Fantasia thanked Rawlings for his tireless work and commitment to see the club prosper.

“Jade has been a pivotal figure in the development of our team over the past four seasons, including playing a crucial role in our 2022 Premiership victory,” Fantasia said.

“Jade’s expertise, dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the team’s success. His strategic insights and commitment to player development have left an indelible mark on the club.

“As Jade embarks on this new chapter with Fremantle, he does so with the full support and blessing of our club. We are confident that he will bring the same level of excellence and passion to his new role, contributing significantly to Fremantle’s future successes.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jade for his outstanding contributions and wish him all the best in his new position.

Fantasia said the club would commence its search for a new senior coach immediately.

Norwood Football Club President Paul Di Iulio said that Rawlings leaves the club on good terms, as he pursues the next chapter of his coaching career.

“It has been a successful four years at our football club under Twig’s leadership.” Di Iulio said.

“He has helped bring Norwood back to the forefront of SANFL football, culminating in the 2022 Premiership.

“We thank Twig for his time at Norwood and see this as a fantastic opportunity for him and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

The club thanks Twig, and wishes he, his partner Sallee and his family all the best with their move west.

** Fremantle FC planned the announcement for 5pm ACDT, but they accidently shared the news earlier. Fremantle apologised to Norwood supporters if they found out prior to the club sharing the news.