MELBOURNE is pleased to announce its coaching panel for season seven of the AFL Women’s competition, having welcomed three new names to the club.
Dale Amos, Matt Brewer and Rowie Webster have all been appointed key roles within the program and are set to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the red and blue.
Amos joins the Demons after coaching stints with South Barwon, Geelong, Carlton and more recently Xavier College, where he has developed his skillset across an 18-year career.
A star player for South Barwon, Amos has been charged with leading Melbourne’s midfield, taking up the role of Head of Midfield and Technical Coach.
He will be supported by Brewer, the son of former Melbourne player Ross Brewer, who has made the transition from Melbourne’s VFLW-affiliate side Casey, following time with the Oakleigh Chargers.
Senior Coach Mick Stinear said the pair will be of strong benefit to not only the midfield, but the wider playing group.
“We are very fortunate to have the knowledge, skills and experience of Dale join our program,” Stinear said.
“Dale will lead our midfield and has already established a strong connection with our group, which is translating on the training track.
“Dale will be supported by Matt in the middle. Most recently, Matt has invested his time into our VFLW program at Casey and his passion, commitment and knowledge will be an asset to our team.”
Webster joins the red and blue in a newly created role of Elite Athlete Mentor, bringing her 17 years of experience at the top level.
The former water polo star, who has 312 international caps, will assist in driving standards and behaviours among the playing group, while also helping develop the club’s emerging leaders.
“Rowie brings with her 17 years of experience in the VIS in water polo and international experience captaining and representing the Aussie Stingers,” Stinear said.
“Rowie is a ruthless competitor with a team-first focus, and her insights and experience will help shape and mould the players and staff in our program.”
The new additions join a well-rounded panel, which has seen some further movement since last season through the departure of former backline coach Brooke Patterson, former midfield coach Peter Mercoulia and ruck support Justin Crough.
Under Stinear’s leadership, Shae Sloane has had the opportunity to add to her responsibilities, being elevated from a development coach to an assistant coach.
“Shae’s personable and professional approach, combined with her sporting experience and creativity in education, makes for an exciting young coach and one the players love working with,” Stinear said.
“The investment and impact of our recent coaches in Pete, Justin and Brooke, who had all been involved since the competition’s inception, has helped create an enjoyable high performance football program that is continually striving to be our best.
“Thanks to their work, the ongoing work of our existing coaching team and with the addition of a number of new coaches, we are ready to raise the bar as a team in season seven.”
Sloane will work alongside Jane Lange (Senior Assistant, Education and Game Style) and Tam Hyett (Assistant Coach, Backs), who continue in their roles.
Jon Stinear (Development Coach) and Ben Brown (Specialist Coach and Mentor) round out this season’s coaching panel, supported by Vincent Chungue (Strategy and Opposition) and Harrison Burt (Analyst).
With season seven just around the corner, Stinear said he was full of confidence about the coming months and what his group can achieve.
“As a club, we are proud to provide such a high-quality group of skilled and diverse people to help support our players, to be their best and achieve the ultimate success as a team,” he said.
“We are looking forward to seeing the hard work on show in a couple of weeks’ time, when we get our season seven campaign underway.”
Melbourne’s 2022 AFLW Coaching Panel
Mick Stinear – Head of AFLW Performance & Senior Coach
Jane Lange – Senior Assistant - Education & Game Style
Dale Amos – Head of Midfield & Technical Coach
Matt Brewer – Assistant Coach - Midfield
Tam Hyett – Assistant Coach – Backs
Shae Sloane – Assistant Coach – Forwards
Jon Stinear – Development Coach & Runner
Ben Brown – Specialist Coach & Mentor
Vincent Chungue – Strategy & Opposition
Rowie Webster – Elite Athlete Mentor
Harrison Burt – Analyst
