Josh Francou Biography

Josh Francou will step down from his role as assistant coach of the Suns at the end of the 2021 season to move back to Adelaide with his family.

"While we're disappointed to be losing someone of Josh's experience, the club respects the decision and welcomes his openness in advising us early and allowing us to undertake a well-considered plan to find a suitable replacement for 2022," Suns football manager Jon Haines said.

Josh Francou joins Gold Coast as an assistant coach.

"Josh is highly regarded across the AFL industry, both for his playing career and coaching background," Suns general manager of football operations Haines said.

"He brings to the club an extensive coaching CV, and his teaching background will be a great asset in the development of our playing group, along with supporting the integration of all aspects of the learning experience, from Academy to the senior AFL program."

Suns football boss Jon Haines says the club is still keen on adding Josh Francou to its assistant coaching panel.

"We know Josh well and we rate him really highly as a football person. His advice to us is that he's taking some time to reflect on his year," Haines said.

"He's also taken some time to reflect on what he wants to do with his career … the communication is certainly still open."

Josh Francou will to return to South Australia to join Adelaide as an assistant coach after being with Sydney since 2013.

Josh Francou has been promoted within the Sydney Swans' coaching ranks as the club reshuffles its structure ahead of next season.

The former Port Adelaide midfielder will work with Stuart Dew as the Swans' assistant midfield coach, after heading up the development department for the past year.

Retired Brownlow Medallist Shane Crawford has accused Port Adelaide midfielder Danyle Pearce of giving up against the Melbourne Demons while former Power player Josh Francou says the club should seriously consider trading Pearce at the end of the season.

"It looked like he had hoisted the white flag and thought 'this is too hard'," Crawford said.

"He should have used his pace and run to try to shake Jones off but instead he seemed to go into his shell, which was disappointing. He's just got to work harder in that situation."