Geelong Cats have announced their coaching group ahead of the 2023 NAB AFLW season.
Dan Lowther takes the reins again as senior coach in his third season, with former Geelong VFLW Senior Coach Andrew Bruce appointed assistant coach (forwards) for the season, after joining the Cats’ AFLW program last season as a Development Coach.
Before joining the Cats’ coaching team ahead of AFL Season 7, Bruce led the Cats’ VFLW team to successive finals campaigns in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Bruce is joined by Season 7 Assistant Coaches Josh Finch (midfield) and Elise Coventry (defence) in working under Lowther.
“We’re thrilled to have been able to keep our coaching panel consistent heading into our sixth season of AFLW to build on our gains from last year,” Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Football Pathways Brett Johnson said.
“Having Andrew step up as forwards coach is a great opportunity for him. We’ve always been impressed with his ability as a coach, both in his teaching methods as well as building relationships.”
In further news, Geelong men's player Gary Rohan will join the Club’s AFLW program as a Development Coach for the 2023 season.
Former VFL player and current South Barwon footballer Will Sexton will also join as a Development Coach.
“I have always followed the Cats AFLW team with great interest since they joined the competition, which coincided with my first year at Cats,” Rohan said.
“Having worked alongside these athletes at the Club, I’m looking forward to now learning the ropes as a Development Coach and joining them on their journey for this season.
“Coaching has long been an interest for me, and I’m excited for this opportunity to work alongside Dan Lowther and his coaching group.”
Johnson said Rohan and Sexton are valuable additions to the group.
“Gary has been getting a bit of a look at our program over the pre-season, and we’re looking forward to him now officially joining as a development coach,” Johnson said.
“He already had a great rapport with the players, but they’ve really valued his insights and involvement in the build-up to our 2023 campaign.”
Rounding out the coaching group, David Morgan will continue as a Development Coach (bench) in 2023, with Paul Chambers again working with the Cats talls, and athletic performance coaches Anula Costa and Dom Trimboli continuing their roles.
The Cats open their 2023 AFLW campaign against the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium at 5.05pm on Saturday.
Tickets are just $10 for adults and free for juniors. Purchase your tickets here. Members can access their tickets through the ‘Mobile Membership’ tab on the official Geelong Cats App.
There will be a huge range of family-friendly activities at the game, include a sausage sizzle, arcade games, a 360 Photobooth, dedicated Kids Zone and Sensory Areas, as well as half-time entertainment and a DJ.
Geelong Cats 2023 AFLW Coaching Panel & Performance Staff
Senior coach – Dan Lowther
Assistant coach (forwards) – Andrew Bruce
Assistant coach (midfield) – Josh Finch
Assistant coach (defence) – Elise Coventry
Development coaches – David Morgan, Will Sexton, Gary Rohan
Talls coach – Paul Chambers
AFLW Analysts – Abby Howard and Dave Williams
Strength coaches – Nick Richardson, Will Sexton
Physical performance coaches – Anula Costa, Dom Trimboli
Head Physiotherapist – Erin Nelson
AFLW Physiotherapist – Sarah Murphy
Player Development & Performance Health Manager – Emily Shears
Doctor – Tom Reade
