Collingwood is pleased to announce a list of fresh faces to its coaching group for the 2024 AFLW season.
Sam Wright, who was appointed as the Pies’ AFLW Senior Coach in December last year, has welcomed an array of accomplished individuals to his coaching panel for the upcoming season.
Returning to Collingwood’s AFLW program is foundation Magpie and AFLW All-Australian player Jess Duffin, who will serve as the Backline Development Coach this year.
Making her AFLW debut for Collingwood in the inaugural AFLW match in 2017, the 34-year-old went on to play a total of 13 games in the black and white.
In 2018, Duffin made the move to North Melbourne, before finishing her career at Hawthorn with a total of 42 games.
Both prior and during her AFLW career, Duffin spent 17 years playing professional cricket both domestically in the Women’s Big Bash League. Duffin was also awarded national honours winning four major titles including three T20 World Cups (2010, 2012 and 2014).
Joining Duffin as Backs Assistant Coach is former AFL player Dom Tyson.
The midfielder played a total of 113 AFL matches across a career at Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and North Melbourne.
Tyson became the eighth GWS Giants player to be nominated for the 2012 NAB Rising Star Award.
After being delisted at the end of the 2021 season, the 30-year-old has been refining his craft as Head Coach with the First XVIII Football team at De La Salle College.
Former AFL player Dan Currie will also be joining the group as the Forward Line Coach.
The 35-year-old played 10 games across his time with the Kangaroos and with the Gold Coast SUNS (2013 to 2017).
Tom Cashin, who was appointed as the Pies’ VFLW Senior Coach this year, will serve as the AFLW Forward Development Coach and Runner.
Prior to joining Collingwood’s VFLW program, Cashin spent time as a backline and opposition analyst coach within the Western Bulldogs’ VFLW side in 2023. That same year, Cashin led Geelong’s Division One amateur women’s side to a premiership in the AFL Barwon League and was also named AFL Barwon Women’s Coach.
Collingwood’s 2023 VFL Captain, Tom Wilson will serve as the Head of Development and Midfield Coach.
The forward, who is a five-time Club VFL Best and Fairest winner has played a total of 164 VFL games across his career at Collingwood and the Northern Bullants.
Chris Gamble approaches his fourth season with the Club’s AFLW program and will serve as a Midfield Development Coach this season.
Another new addition to the group is Liam McKenna, who joins the program as a Development Coach.
The midfielder played 15 games for Essendon in the VFL between 2018 and 2020 before crossing over to Port Melbourne in 2021 where he played a total of 10 games.
McKenna is also currently serving as an Assistant Coach for Bon Beach Football Club’s Division Two Men’s side.
General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger said the newly appointed coaching panel has been integral in painting the picture for this next phase of the program.
“Amongst the wealth of experience that each individual brings, they have already added enormous value to the program through just being the people they are,” Burger said.
“We’re excited by the impact that the coaching group have had on the program in such a short amount of time. There has been clear intent behind the appointments to compliment and add value to our environment that we are constantly investing in.
“We’re pleased to welcome back inaugural AFLW player Jess Duffin to the Club. Jess’ unwavering pursuit for excellence has been evident throughout her career as both a Footballer and Cricketer. We are excited to see her return to where it all begun, shining a light on both our past and contributing to our future.
“Whilst the coaching group possess extensive experience within AFL and VFL programs, it’s the breadth of experience in connecting and developing teams and individuals that excites us the most.”
Collingwood’s 2024 AFLW Coaching Panel
General Manager of Women’s Football – Jess Burger
AFLW Senior Coach – Sam Wright
Head of Development and Midfield Coach – Tom Wilson
Forward Assistant Coach– Dan Currie
Back Assistant Coach – Dom Tyson
Midfield Development Coach – Chris Gamble
Forward Development Coach and Runner – Tom Cashin
Backs Development Coach – Jess Duffin
Development Coach – Liam McKenna