Melbourne Midfield and Strategy Coach Sam Radford has informed the Demons of his decision to move home to Western Australia, where a position among the ranks of the struggling West Coast Eagles awaits, afl.com.au's Cal Twomey reports.
Since 2016, Radford has held many roles across the men's and women's programs, but has been principally responsible for the midfield since 2020, architecting the brilliant engine room that powered the Demons to a drought-breaking premiership in 2021.
General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson thanked Radford for his impact over the past decade.
"Sam has made a great contribution to the club across several of our football programs," Richardson said.
"Sam has worked across multiple programs and played a really important role in how we educate our players with our game style and strategy.
"He started with Mick (Stinear) and our AFLW program, had a significant role in the development of players at Casey, and then transitioned into our AFL program, where his knowledge and strategic thinking have been first class.
West Coast has added to its coaching panel, bringing in Melbourne midfield assistant coach Sam Radford.
Radford, who has been at the Dees over the past decade, will join Andrew McQualter at the Eagles. The pair worked together at the Demons last year. More on @AFLcomau. pic.twitter.com/lC0D5YSjM4
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) August 26, 2025
"While we will miss having him in the red and blue, we understand the importance of family and fully support his decision to head back to Perth."
Radford's departure from Melbourne comes amidst their search for a senior coach, after announcing the dismissal of Simon Goodwin earlier this month. His departure also provides scope for an incoming coach to assemble an assistant corps of their own.
His arrival in Perth looks to shore up the coaching group around Andrew McQualter, whose first season at the helm of the Eagles, yielded one of the worst win-loss ratios in V/AFL history.
"I'm really excited to be coming to the Eagles," Radford said.
"It's a Club I've long admired for its history, loyal supporters and success on and off the field.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to work again with ‘Mini', he is a coach I hold in high regard, having worked with him previously.
"I'm excited for the challenge ahead and can't wait to get to work."
