MELBOURNE coach Mick Stinear has been crowned the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year.

Stinear, who was voted on by his peers, took out the award ahead of Adelaide’s Matthew Clarke, with Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich and Cameron Joyce from the Gold Coast SUNS in a tie for third.

As the club’s inaugural AFLW coach, Stinear has led his group to 36 victories to date, the second most in the history of the competition.

He will look to add to his record this Saturday, when the Demons line up in their maiden NAB AFL Women’s Grand Final.

Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce, who has shared in his journey over the past six years, had the honour of announcing the news earlier this week, in front of players, coaches and staff. 

“We’ve always known that you’re the coach of the year, Mick. Since day dot, you’ve just been the absolute best coach for us,” she said.

“I’m just so grateful for what we have in you.”

For Stinear, who will also coach his 50^th game on Saturday, the acknowledgement represented the hard work and dedication of all within the club.

“I’m very humbled to be recognised as the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Coach of the Year,” he said.

“I see this as a reflection of our whole program, and the relationships the players, coaches and staff have built across six years.

“I love and appreciate this group so much, and I’m very grateful for what I get to do on a daily basis.”

Deemed to be the best performing senior coach through the 2022 NAB AFLW season, Stinear was voted the winner, with regard for his current season’s performance, available resources, player talent and team management.