Essendon has confirmed the process to appoint our next AFLW senior coach.

The Club is focused on continuing to build one of the leading programs in the AFLW competition, with the right people, structures, and environment to achieve sustained success.

The appointment of the Senior Coach will be an important step in that process, with a focus on finding a leader who can develop the playing group and game plan, strengthen the program, and drive the programs growth. 

The Club has developed a thorough success profile for the position, informed by feedback gathered through interviews with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

This work has helped identify the key qualities and experience required for the role, including leadership, player development, high performance, and the ability to grow an AFLW program.

Essendon CEO Tim Roberts said the Club was committed to finding a Senior Coach that would help the AFLW program thrive on and off field. 

“We are committed to finding the right Senior Coach to give the program every opportunity to succeed,” Roberts said. 

“We will continue to build a program that attracts and develops the best talent, provides our players and staff with the support they need to perform, and with that, compete consistently every week. 

“Appointing the right Senior Coach is an important part of that, and we have taken the time to understand what we need in that role and the qualities that will help take our program forward.

“We have brought together a selection panel with a strong understanding of our Club. We will also draw on subject matter expertise to support the panel as required, with interviews commencing shortly.

"We are looking for someone who shares our ambition, aligns with the direction of the program, and can lead our players and people as we continue to build.”

Selection Panel: 

Tim Roberts (Chief Executive Officer)
Kate O’Sullivan (Director)
Mark Bolton (Chief Strategy & Growth Officer)
Craig Vozzo (General Manager – AFL Operations)
Caroline Monzon (Executive General Manager – People & Culture)

Chief Strategy & Growth Officer Mark Bolton will take on the role of AFLW executive representative, with Head of AFLW Taylah Harding (maternity leave cover for Aysha Ward) reporting directly into him. 

The Club will provide further updates as the Senior Coach process progresses.