ADELAIDE has named the coach of its reserves side for next season, with former West Coast rookie and SANFL champion Heath Younie to take the reins.

Younie was drafted by the Eagles in 1997 and spent two season's playing in the WAFL before returning to Victoria and playing in North Melbourne's VFL side, and then finally landing at North Adelaide.

The 34-year-old played 183 games for the Roosters, winning the club's Barrie Robran Medal twice.

He spent 2013 as one of the Crows' development coaches and was thrilled to become the club's innaugral reserves coach.

SANFL allow Crows to field reserves side

“I'm super excited. It's a unique opportunity given it's the first time that the club has had a state league side,” Younie said.

“There will be massive challenges with the role, but I'm certainly looking forward to them.”

Senior coach Brenton Sanderson said Younie was the perfect man for the job given his existing understanding of club structures.

Sanderson said Younie's background in teaching, as well as his football journey, would hold him in good stead as coach.

“We discussed and considered a number of people from outside the Club, but in the end we opted to have someone who was already here," Sanderson said.

"Heath understands our program, knows our structures and systems and can coach the way we want to play.

“Heath will also be coaching players travelling the same path he once took. He has wide experience as a player and development coach, at State league and AFL level.

"He also understands the value of the SANFL as a competition and will be provided first-class support from the rest of the Crows development team."

Twitter: @AFL_Harry