BIO

Ben Rutten joined Port Adelaide ahead of the 2026 season as General Manager - Football, bringing with him a wealth of experience as both a player and coach at the highest level.

As a player, Rutten forged an outstanding career with the Adelaide Football Club. Known for his discipline, strength, and composure under pressure, Rutten was a cornerstone of Adelaide’s backline across more than a decade, earning All-Australian honours in 2005.

Following his retirement at the end of the 2014 season, Rutten quickly transitioned into coaching. He joined Richmond in 2015, playing a key role in the club’s 2017 premiership as defensive line coach.

He made the move to Essendon ahead of the 2019 season, working as an assistant coach before taking the reins as senior coach in 2021.

Rutten returned to Punt Road to join Richmond’s coaching group in 2024 and 2025, serving as the club’s Head of Coaching Performance and Development.

Rutten will oversee all aspects of Port Adelaide’s football program, bringing a holistic, strategic and team-first approach to Alberton.

Coaching career
2026 – current Port Adelaide General Manager – Football
2024 – 2025 Richmond Head of Coaching Performance and Development
2021 – 2022 Essendon senior coach
2019 – 2020 Essendon assistant coach
2015 – 2018 Richmond assistant coach

Coaching achievements
2017 AFL Premiership (Richmond, assistant coach)

Playing career
Club: Adelaide (2003–2014) 229 games, 9 goals
Debut: Round 16, 2003 vs Fremantle
Brownlow votes: 9

Achievements
All-Australian (2005)
Adelaide Football Club Life Member (2013)