SHAUN HART will return to Queensland after accepting the position as Head of Development with the Gold Coast Suns, ending a four-year coaching tenure with Port Adelaide.

Hart joined the club in 2014 under Ken Hinkley as the Director of Coaching, playing an integral role in the Power’s coaching group for three seasons.

He’s spent the past year as the Director of Academies, focussing on developing the club’s talent program pathways including the Female, Elite Talent, Multicultural and Father/Son Academies throughout 2017.

Hart’s return to Queensland brings him full circle. Prior to joining Port Adelaide he worked as an assistant and NEAFL Coach with the Suns during the early days of the club.

The triple premiership winner also boasts a decorated playing career in the Sunshine State, with 15 seasons at the Brisbane Lions.

He said the role with the Suns was too promising an opportunity to pass up both personally and professionally.

“The role is perfectly suited to my strengths and where I can be of most value,” Hart told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“The chance to return to the region where I’ve spent a lot of my life, and be closer to family and friends, was also a big factor in the decision.

“Leaving Port Adelaide isn’t easy though, it’s a great club.

“I’m so grateful for being able to work with, and learn from, people of the calibre of Ken Hinkley, Keith Thomas and so many others.”

Port Adelaide also farewells SANFL Reserves Coach Mark Clayton.

Clayton has spent the past five years in various coaching roles with the Magpies and before that played 228 SANFL games with the club, including the 1999 premiership.

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