The 37-year-old becomes defence assistant coach after serving as development coach at Alberton since 2011.
Senior coach Ken Hinkley said Nicks had impressive teaching and tactical abilities and would draw upon a valuable knowledge of the playing group gained during his two seasons as a development mentor.
“That really helps when we’re such a young group and certainly the knowledge he has of those young players will help them become better players and be part of a better team,” Hinkley said.
“Matthew has had two years working with the majority of the boys that he will work in the back half, but he will also be helping our young forwards and the midfielders learn about defence as well.
“He’s really good with all his tactical stuff and all his presentation work that he does for the boys. He’s very clear and he educates and teaches really well, which is a real positive.”
37-year-old Nicks played 175 AFL games for Sydney (1996-2005) after being recruited from West Adelaide, and maintains a strong defensive and team-first philosophy hardened during his years with the Swans.
“He is really passionate about defence coming from the Sydney background and already he’s showing the way with that stuff for all of our players and coaches,” Hinkley said.
“He has a determination to succeed and work for the team which again is that Sydney mentality, where it’s all about the team and what the individual can do to work for everyone else they possibly can to help make the team better.”
Nicks takes over as defence coach from Brad Gotch who is returning to Melbourne as a full-time opposition analyst.
Fellow assistant Garry Hocking will again work with Port Adelaide forwards, while Shaun Rehn and Josh Carr will continue to guide the midfield.
Director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson will play a role serving as a senior assistant within the coaching panel in addition to other responsibilities.
Nicks’ former position will be filled by player welfare and development manager Stuart Cochrane who served as a development coach at Port Adelaide in 2009.
Cochrane will retain a role in player welfare while joining Tyson Edwards as a development coach and working with development manager Daniel Healy.
Port Adelaide is in the process of appointing another player welfare staff member.
