Collingwood is pleased to confirm its coaching panel for the seventh season of the AFL Women’s competition.
Joining the program is former AFL player Sam Shaw who served three seasons as a backline coach with Richmond’s AFLW side while also serving as a head coach of Xavier College’s senior team.
Prior to his coaching journey, Shaw played 24 games for the Adelaide Crows across five seasons where he was a defender before his career was cut short due to injury.
Shaw will oversee the backline and will be supported by returning coach Michael Hartley who will serve as a development coach.
Jordan Roughead, Chris Gamble and Martha Cantwell have returned for season seven and will take on new roles in the upcoming season while Jason Brown will also return to the program to oversee the forward line.
Roughead, in his fourth season as a coach in Collingwood’s women’s program, will support head coach Steve Symonds as the senior assistant and midfield coach.
Assisting Roughead in the midfield is Collingwood Female Coaching Acceleration Program graduate Martha Cantwell who will serve as the midfield development coach.
Collingwood’s Coaching Acceleration Program aims to invest in upcoming female coaching talent and provide development and a pathway into AFL and AFLW programs.
Another graduate of the program is Chloe McMillan who has departed the women’s program to take on a development role in the Collingwood men’s program. Scott Gowans (Sydney Swans) and James Debono (Defence Force) have also departed the women’s coaching ranks.
Meanwhile, Gamble has transitioned into the new role of Head of Development after overseeing the backline group in the AFLW season held earlier this year.
Head Coach Steve Symonds said this coaching group offers a great foundation for the program to build on the progress shown earlier this year.
“This coaching panel offers a diverse set of coaching skills and offers great balance for our program,” Symonds said.
“Having retained most coaches from our last season provides great stability for our players and staff who have developed strong relationships with these coaches.
“Having Jordan step up into a new role is very exciting for our club and is a great opportunity for him to take the next step in his coaching career. Jordan has long been involved in women’s football and over the course of his four years with our AFLW team, he has developed strong connections with the group and is highly respected by all involved in the program.
“We’re also pleased to welcome Sam to the club. He brings great experience as a past AFL player as well as through his time as a coach with Richmond. In his time with us already, he has been a wonderful fit amongst both the coaching and playing group.
“With a wealth of experience across our coaching panel, we’re well-positioned to achieve greater success and progress in the upcoming AFLW season.”
Collingwood 2022 AFLW Coaching Panel
Head of Women’s Football and Head of Strategy - Jess Burger
Senior Coach - Steve Symonds
Senior assistant & Midfield coach - Jordan Roughead
Forwards assistant - Jason Brown
Backs assistant - Sam Shaw
Midfield development coach - Martha Cantwell
Backs development coach - Michael Hartley
Head of Development - Chris Gamble
