Port Adelaide assistant coach Shaun Rehn has parted ways with the club after two seasons as midfield coach.

Rehn was advised by the club that his contract would not be extended beyond this season.

Former West Coast assistant coach Phil Walsh is returning to Alberton to fill Rehn’s position as midfield coach after spending the last five seasons in Perth.

Port Adelaide director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson says it was a difficult decision not to extend Rehn’s time at the club.

“Shaun has played an important role in improving our midfield group over the last two seasons and by extension has been valuable in our club’s climb back up the ladder this year,” Richardson said.

“As a person Shaun is full of integrity and great character and in my time at the club I’ve found him outstanding to deal with within our coaching structure.

“However, the reality is a highly experienced coach in Phil Walsh came out of contract at West Coast and indicated that he wanted to return to Adelaide and come back here to Port Adelaide where he spent several years as a highly-rated assistant and strategist before joining West Coast.

“After a stint at a great club like West Coast we feel that he will add another significant dimension to our coaching structure.

“We wish Shaun and his family all the very best in his future endeavours and thank him for his service to Port Adelaide over the last couple of years.

“Shaun is highly respected here at Alberton and we hope he’ll remain part of the Port Adelaide family in the future.”