However, co-coach Chris Schmidt has indicated he would like to stay on, pending work commitments.

Speculation has been rife among other clubs the former AFL player was returning to Adelaide from Sydney in his employment as an engineer.

The West Adelaide premiership captain, who’s currently out with a dislocated and broken wrist, met with club officials on Saturday morning, where he indicated his preference to stay in the position.

“Yeah, but it’s work related at the moment,” he said.

“I’m waiting on a few things with work and where I’ll be, but if the position is the same as it’s been this year then I’m keen to go again.”

The Hoppers will be desperate to retain Schmidt’s services as they would have to again start the gruelling process of finding next year’s coach.

Gilson told the players of his plans straight after the game.

“I’ve just started real estate work and I just don’t have the 15 hours a week to put into it (coaching),” he said.

“I just want to concentrate on my career now. The 15 hours a week I put into my footy, I’m better off putting into work and setting myself up.”

Gilson has been coaching 11 straight seasons, including the last two as co-coach with the Hoppers.

“He’s been amazing,” Hoppers’ operations manager Brenden Maclean said.

“To have a premiership player come back and fill that role, we’ve been fortunate to have ‘Gilly’.

“He’s got a great personality and is loved by everyone, we’ve been blessed.”

The Hoppers finished eighth last year with only three wins, but this year they have six.