Adelaide premiership captain Mark Bickley will join his former AFL club as an assistant coach.

Having been the man who famously lifted the premiership cups in the club's breakthrough flag wins in 1997-98, Bickley has been appointed an assistant coach under Neil Craig for the 2009-10 seasons.

Bickley, 39, played 272 games from 1991-2003 and is currently contracted to the Nine Network, but will leave the broadcaster to begin working with the Crows in November.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Channel Nine, however I have decided that football is my passion and I want to be involved at the highest level," he said in a statement.

"Fortunately for me I am able to return to my club to pursue that passion."

Craig is yet to settle on which area Bickley will focus on specifically, but was confident his playing experience and analysis of the game in the media and as an All-Australian selector would hold him in good stead.

"Mark's wealth of experience and football knowledge, coupled with his qualities as a person, will be a great asset to the club," Craig said in a statement.

"Mark has played in the midfield and in defence and this gives the club great flexibility in the coaching roles."

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