Melbourne is pleased to announce its coaching panel for the 2023 AFL Women’s competition. 

Similarly to the playing group, the coaching panel has also retained much of its stability from the successful 2022 season and has resisted change. 

“We are very fortunate to have such a passionate and caring group of coaches who are genuinely invested in the growth and development of our team,” said Senior Coach Mick Stinear. 

Only one member of the team has departed, and one name has returned to the club. 

Jane Lange, who has spent the last six seasons with the program, announced her departure to focus on her family and her career.  

“We are thankful for the enormous impact Jane has had on shaping our environment and creating a high-performance program where people thrive and love what they do,” said Stinear of his former Senior Assistant – Education and Game Style. 

Pete Mercoulia, VFLW Senior Coach, has also departed from Melbourne Football Club after six seasons. 

Mercoulia has previously worked as an assistant coach, looking after Backs, Forwards, and Midfields. Most recently, he has taken on the challenge to grow the VFLW program at Casey.  

“His involvement has seen this program thrive in recent years, with high numbers of players drafted into AFLW teams and several players being drafted to Melbourne AFLW including Sammie Johnson, Eliza West, Ali Brown and Maeve Chaplin,” said Stinear. 

“We are very grateful to both Pete and Jane’s families for the countless hours invested into growing women’s football at our club.” 

Melbourne welcomes the return of Ruck Coach Justin Crough, who returns to the program after a season away.  

“This season’s list includes up to four rucks, and so the investment in craft is critical. Justin does an excellent job of supporting and mentoring this group of players,” said Stinear. 

“Justin’s experience as a ruck and relationships developed with players through his calm, caring and considered approach makes him a key member of our team.” 

Dale Amos remains this season in a Coaching Development position, a vital role that looks after the development and support of coaches as well as ensuring effective communication and player development within the program.  

Vincent Chungue, who continues as Strategy and Opposition coach, will also look after stoppage education and execution on game day. 

Shae Sloane, Assistant Coach – Forwards, will add to her existing role this season by investing more time into the overall development of our players. This includes providing additional skill sessions, mentoring and supporting first to third-year players establish elite behaviours. 

Sloane will work alongside Matt Brewer (Assistant Coach - Midfields) and Tamara 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 Harrison Burt (Analyst).  

With season 2023 looming, Stinear said he was pleased with how the group was working together, and the individual skills that each coach brings to the club. 

“We are very fortunate to have a diverse range of experience in our coaching team to assist in supporting our players. 

“We enjoy coaching together, supporting and challenging each other to be the best we can be for our team.”