Younie yearns to develop SANFL talent

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australian football is in Heath Younie’s DNA.

And now the experienced coach is set to impart his invaluable knowledge and experience within the eight SANFL clubs’ talent programs in his newly-created role as SANFL Pathways Coach & Player Developer.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 43-year-old is eager to act as a resource for both coaches and players at U18 and U16 level while also immersing himself in SANFL’s Talent Hub programs.

Playing 183 League games for North Adelaide between 2001 and 2010, Younie’s first coaching role came with the Roosters upon his retirement – acting as U18 coach in 2011 and 2012.

By his own admission, he has adjusted his coaching style considerably in the past 10 years with a key emphasis on more clarity and less confusion for young players trying to digest gameplans.

The former North Melbourne assistant coach also places a priority on teaching the fundamentals of football, noting each premiership team is the one which can execute skills under the greatest amount of pressure.

SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said Younie, also a former school teacher, was an excellent fit for the role with his broad AFL and SANFL coaching and development experience.

“Heath is highly regarded in the development and coaching space and brings 10 years of experience at AFL level, as well as intimate knowledge of the SA Talent pathway,” Mr Duldig said.

“Heath’s teaching background will also be valuable in overseeing a strong education component of player development in our elite SA Academy hubs.”

Adelaide’s inaugural SANFL coach from 2014 to 2016 and again in 2019, Younie steered the Crows into their first two SANFL Preliminary Finals in 2016 and 2019.

He also acted as the club’s development mentor before joining the Kangaroos as an assistant coach under David Noble in 2021 and 2022.