RETIRED Adelaide veteran James Podsiadly will stay with the club as an assistant coach for season 2016.

The 34-year-old will oversee the club's defenders, having played the bulk of this season in defence in the SANFL.

Podsiadly helped Geelong to the 2011 premiership before joining the Crows in 2014, where he took his AFL games tally to 104.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and am excited to continue my journey here by transitioning into a coaching role," Podsiadly said. 

"I always wanted to stay involved and this opportunity was too good to ignore. 

"I look forward to working with the Crows' exciting and developing backline."

Head of football David Noble said Podsiadly's wealth of experience was invaluable to the side.

He had also showed tremendous leadership during his playing career and this year insisted younger players were offered senior opportunities before him.

"During his time at the Crows he was a true professional and he did a lot of mentoring work with our younger players," Noble said. 

"His ability to communicate clearly and directly is a trait those players valued highly. 

"Outside of football he has interests in leadership, health and well-being sectors which have helped hone some of his coaching skills." 

Podsiadly's appointment finalises the Crows' 2016 coaching group, headed by first-year coach Don Pyke.