Collingwood has locked in its coaching panel for the 2023 AFLW season with two new coaches added to the group.
Collingwood All-Australian player Sharni Norder will return to the Club alongside former Richmond AFLW Senior Assistant coach Jacob Thompson.
Norder, who played with the Pies’ AFLW side between 2019-2021, returns to the AIA Centre as a Development Coach.
Vice-captain of the program in 2021, Norder played 23 AFLW games in the black-and-white and was also a member of the Pies’ 2019 VFLW premiership side.
With an international netballer career spanning 15 years, Norder was also a foundation player with Collingwood’s netball team in 2016 and is also a former Australian Diamonds captain.
Thompson arrives at Collingwood having previously worked with Richmond’s VFLW side as well as having served as Head Coach of Essendon’s James Hird Academy.
He will oversee the Pies forward group for the upcoming season.
The pair will be guided by Head Coach Steve Symonds and Senior Assistant and Midfield Coach Jordan Roughead.
Sam Shaw will resume his role as the Backline Coach while Jason Brown will return as a Development Coach and Runner.
Chris Gamble also returns as the Development Lead whilst Collingwood’s Head of Women’s Football Jess Burger will continue in her position as Head of Strategy.
After two seasons with the Pies, the Club farewelled Martha Cantwell who has taken up an opportunity with the Sandringham Dragons, as well as Michael Hartley who is now working with AFL Victoria.
Symonds said both Norder and Thompson have a lot to offer the program.
“We’re pleased to welcome Sharni and Jacob to our coaching group for 2023,” Symonds said.
“Having been an integral part of our Club as a player, Sharni has translated her infectious energy into coaching. With her knowledge and level of experience as an athlete and leader, she will be extremely beneficial to our program.
“Jacob has a broad range of coaching experience across multiple levels within the football industry. His previous specialist work as a forwards coach will be extremely valuable for our program.
“We’re extremely pleased to have retained the majority of our coaching staff from last season which not only provides great stability for the program but displays faith in what we’re continuing to build.
“We look forward to the contributions of this coaching group this season and I believe this group of coaches create a strong foundation for success in 2023.”
Collingwood’s 2023 AFLW Coaching Panel
Head of Women’s Football and Head of Strategy – Jess Burger
Head Coach - Steve Symonds
Senior Assistant / Midfield Coach– Jordan Roughead
Backline Coach – Sam Shaw
Forward Line Coach - Jacob Thompson
Development Lead – Chris Gamble
Development Coach and Runner – Jason Brown
Development Coach – Sharni Norder
