Adam Kingsley appointed to GWS coach role

Kingsley's 16-year career as an assistant coach has ended with his appointment to take over the Giants.

"It's a privilege and an honour," Kingsley said.

"I've been clear in my aspirations to become a senior coach and over the last 16 years I've continued to learn and develop to the point now where I'm absolutely ready to take the next step."

Kingsley started his assistant coaching career at Port Adelaide in 2007 and also had lengthy stints at St Kilda and the Tigers.

The GWS coaching role was vacated by Leon Cameron in mid-May, with Mark McVeigh taking over as caretaker for the back end of the season.

The Giants finished 16th with just six wins for the year but Kingsley was bullish about their future.

"This is a club which has built a strong culture from the ground up in just a few short years," he said.

"In just 11 years the Giants have made multiple preliminary finals, and a grand final, and while the ultimate success has eluded the club, it's clear the building blocks are in place.

"It's clear the players, staff, members and fans are hungry for success and we're going to drive each other to get to where we want to go."

GWS chief executive David Matthews said Kingsley was the clear-cut choice from a field also featuring Melbourne assistant Adem Yze.

"Adam's vision for the club, our players and our people made him the standout candidate for the job," Matthews said.

"Adam has outstanding values that align with the Giants.

"And with 16 years' coaching experience, he is an exceptional tactical coach, a strong, clear communicator, and someone who brings people together."

Former St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt said he couldn't wipe the smile off his face when his former assistant coach Kingsley got the job.

The legendary Saint forward played seven season with Kingsley at the club, and said he took his game to new heights.

"He taught me more about forward play and forward craft than than any other coach I'd had at any stage," Riewoldt told Fox Sports.

"For a guy that played back pocket and midfield predominantly, I think that says a lot about his ability to see all parts of the game," Riewoldt told Fox Sports.

"Great communicator, great motivator will be able to challenge strongly and understand what it takes to bring a great team together."

Matthews paid credit to caretaker coach McVeigh, whose tenure at the club remains uncertain.

"It's a difficult job to come in as caretaker coach but he attacked the role with fresh ideas and sought to improve our players, staff and program at every step," he said.

"Mark is a person of the highest integrity ... he was steadfast in leaving the program ready for whoever would be taking over."

Australian Associated Press