Inaugural Cats AFLW squad member Anna Teague has begun a new phase of her football journey, joining Geelong’s VFLW program as an assistant coach.
Teague, who played four games for Melbourne in 2018 before crossing to Geelong for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, will work alongside former teammate Elise Coventry, who has stepped up as senior coach this year.
Alf Della Monica and Aiden Yelland will continue in their roles as assistant coaches, looking after the midfield and attack respectively.
After retiring from football in 2020, Teague took on a role with Geelong’s Foundation team, before having her first child. Teague’s return to the club in a new coaching capacity will see take on the defence coach position which Coventry held last year.
Teague said she was enjoying the transition into coaching.
“When ‘Flynny’ (Coventry) approached me for a coaching role, I thought, I’ve got to give it a go and see how I go adjusting from being a player to a coach,” she said.
“Being defence coach has been good. I did play mostly backline in my career. I did have one season up forward. It’s what I know and I’m hoping that I can impart something onto the players.
“They’re a great bunch of players. We’ve got our first practice match in a week and a half, and hopefully what we’ve been putting into place, we’ll be able to see then.”
As well as looking after the backline, Teague is responsible for whole-team defensive structures and methods.
The 35-year-old said she was enjoying working with the VFLW coaching group, particularly alongside good friend Coventry.
“It's fantastic – it’s a big part of the reason why I opted to do the coaching, because I knew it was under Flynny, who’s a good mate of mine, and I wanted to be there alongside her,” Teague said.
“It’s been really great, actually. I’ve really enjoyed coaching with her, and she’s doing an amazing job, really stepped into the role really well.”
Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Pathways Brett Johnson said the club was pleased to see another former player return to the football department.
“We’re thrilled to have ‘Teaguey’ involved with our football program again, and look forward to seeing her growth as a coach,” Johnson said.
“Anna has always been an outstanding leader, and she will be a great mentor for our VFLW players and aid in their development.
“It’s fantastic to see two former Cats Women’s players now taking their place among the club’s coaching ranks in Anna and Elise. With fellow former players Melissa Hickey and Cassie Blakeway with the Geelong Falcons’ girls team as senior coach and assistant coach, it shows there is a real pathway from playing to coaching for AFLW players.”
Geelong’s VFLW season kicks off against North Melbourne at Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct on March 25, with practice matches at the same venue on March 4 and 11.
2023 Geelong VFLW Coaching Panel
Senior coach: Elise Coventry
Attack coach: Aiden Yelland
Midfield coach: Alf Della Monica
Defence coach: Anna Teague
Development coach: Chris Burgess
AFLW Development and Analysis: Abby Howard
