Not sure how that places Georgia and Ben.
Dee fans annoyed 
5 Likes
I met him years ago when he was playing at Werribee. He’s a ripping bloke.
Very happy we’ve snared him. Think this is an outstanding get.
4 Likes
Melbourne fans not happy has a passion for the womens game
1 Like
2 Likes
Fantastic get
BIG BONER BROWN
As long as we dont need to see him I’m ok.
Sideshowbob. Gif
Ban rakes.
LOL at Sarah Black 8 days later providing much less information than the above in her “exclusive” article on the AFL site.
ESSENDON has appointed Dandenong Stingrays coach Josh Moore as its new AFLW list manager.
Moore has led the Coates Talent League girls’ side for the past two years, and worked in the boys’ program as a senior assistant coach for the four years prior.
He will take the reins from Essendon’s inaugural AFLW list manager Georgia Harvey, who has moved into a head of VFLW role at the club.
Moore’s side has produced several AFLW draftees in the past few years, including Mikayla Williamson, Meg Robertson, Sophie Butterworth, Zoe Besanko, Elli Symonds and Kayla Dalgleish.
It’s understood he will coach the first few games of Dandenong’s season, and start at the Bombers on April 22.
The AFLW pre-season begins in mid-May.
1 Like
Throughout Walkers coaching journey, he has held key roles with North Melbourne (VFLW), Williamstown (VFLW), and has been involved in various junior and women’s development programs, including the St Kilda Next Generation Academy and South Metro Junior Football League.
Most recently, he was the VFLW Head Coach at Darebin Women’s Sports Club, where he developed and executed the Club’s football and coaching strategy, implemented an extensive game plan whilst cultivating a culture of personal growth and success.
Seems a pretty good CV on the surface.
2 Likes
A post was merged into an existing topic: General AFLW comments and articles
Your priority job (VFLW FF) is not finished yet, Christina.
Leading from the front for her fourth consecutive season as Essendon AFLW Senior Coach is Natalie Wood. Also jumping on board for her fourth year as assistant coach is Natasha Hardy, joined alongside Paul Groves in his second year as assistant coach at the Bombers.
The Dons are also excited to be welcoming a couple of fresh faces to the coaching panel. Former AFL Premiership player Ben Brown joins the team as Head of Development for the 2025 season. With a wealth of footy knowledge, coaching experience and passion for the AFLW competition, Brown is a true role model for the team on and off the field.
Also joining the panel as Assistant Coach is Lachlan Walker. In his previous role as Head Coach at Darebin Women’s Sports Club, Walker played a key role in developing and executing the Club’s football strategy. This paired with his positive approach to player growth and success, the experienced leader is looking to make an impact at the Dons in 2025.
Former AFLW player Christina Bernardi has been appointed as Development Coach for the Bombers. After being drafted in 2017 to Collingwood, Bernardi saw her career expand across multiple clubs including GWS, Richmond and Carlton. 2018 was a highlight year that saw Bernardi named in the ALFW All-Australian team and Collingwood’s leading goal-kicker. As development coach, Bernardi is looking to utilise her experience in the AFLW space to mentor and guide the side into a successful 2025 campaign.
2025 Coaching Panel
- Senior Coach - Natalie Wood
- Head of Development - Ben Brown
- Assistant Coach (Defence) - Natasha Hardy
- Assistant Coach (Midfield) - Paul Groves
- Assistant Coach (Forward) - Lachlan Walker
- Development Coach - Christina Bernardi
1 Like
Good episode featuring Ben Brown, sounds like a great guy to have at the club
4 Likes
The Hun is reporting midfield coach Paul Groves is “set to depart”.
This is the most relevant photo they could find of him 
Damm for a sec I thought Natalie Wood got the arse
He’s off to coach Willy. Can he convince them to handball?
Essendon AFLW Assistant Coach Paul Groves has informed the Club he will resign from his role at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Groves will depart to take on the role of Senior Coach with Williamstown’s VFLW outfit from next season.
Having joined the Bombers ahead of the 2024 campaign, Groves was already an accomplished figure at AFLW level after leading the Western Bulldogs to a maiden flag in 2018 as Senior Coach, holding over 14 years’ worth of coaching experience at different levels.
Groves has overseen the Bombers’ midfield in his two seasons as an assistant and made a positive impact on the playing group.
“’Grovesy’ has been a key piece to our coaching group and wider football department over the course of two seasons,” General Manager – AFLW Aysha Ward said.
"He has built strong relationships with our midfield group who have really valued his experience in his time here.
“While we’re disappointed to see him depart, we’re thankful for his contributions to the Club and wish him and his family all the best for his next chapter.”
Groves will continue to serve as Coordinator for the Club’s EFC Academy at St. Bernard’s College, a role he’s held since the program’s inception last year.
1 Like