Greater Western Sydney GIANTS assistant coach Chad Cornes will depart the club to take up the role of Port Adelaide's SANFL coach.

Cornes will return home to his former club after four years with the GIANTS having joined the club as a player and part-time assistant coach ahead of the 2012 season. 

Cornes played 16 games for the GIANTS - taking his career tally to 255 - before retiring in July 2013 and taking up a full-time assistant coaching role with the club. 

The GIANTS' coaching ranks were recently bolstered following the appointment of Lenny Hayes as an assistant coach. 

Head Coach Leon Cameron said Cornes had a big impact on the GIANTS in his time at the club.

“Chad has played a crucial role in establishing a tough and ruthless culture at the GIANTS and we thank him for his efforts over the past four years,” said Cameron.

“When he joined the GIANTS, Chad added much needed experience to our playing list and his leadership showed our young players what it takes to succeed at AFL level. 

“As a coach, Chad has done a terrific job working with our young backline and developed a great rapport with our players and staff.

“We were never going to stand in the way of his desire to coach his own team, which he is now in a position to do at Port Adelaide. We wish Chad all the best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the GIANTS."

Cornes thanked the GIANTS for the past four years.

“It’s been a great opportunity to be part of this club in its early stages and to see how far it's come in a short space of time,” said Cornes.

“The club has great people involved both on and off the field which is why this has in many ways been a very difficult decision. I'll always appreciate the opportunities afforded to me by the GIANTS and I look forward to watching the club's progress under Leon Cameron.”