https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1488329/mick-stinear-was-reluctant-to-leave-the-dees-one-off-hand-comment-changed-his-mind

Geelong have had three months working with the best coach in the business, whilst we continue to drag our feet.

31 minutes ago, poita said:

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1488329/mick-stinear-was-reluctant-to-leave-the-dees-one-off-hand-comment-changed-his-mind

Geelong have had three months working with the best coach in the business, whilst we continue to drag our feet.

Devastated when he left but a four-hour commute... that would be deadening. Incredible he did it for so long.

2 hours ago, The Taciturn Demon said:

Devastated when he left but a four-hour commute... that would be deadening. Incredible he did it for so long.

Yeah, reading the article I got the distinct impression that the trip to Casey was a significant factor in his decision. And I don't blame him.

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1492685/melbourne-demons-sign-collingwood-magpies-assistant-tom-wilson-to-replace-premiership-coach-mick-stinear

Welcome to the Dees Tom!

Beyond the natural reaction of ew Collingwood... Glad its someone who has previous coaching experience in AFLW. Not in the most successful program, yes, but not completely "flown in" from other leagues or ex-AFL men's straight into W coaching. So he gets the specifics of the environment.

At the Dees we might be wary of someone with teaching credentials due to past experience but probably shouldn't hold that against him!

Here's his bio from the Pies website:

"Tom Wilson

Wilson joined the Pies for the 2024 season as both Head of Development and the side’s Midfield Coach.

One of the most established and tenured current players in the VFL – with Wilson currently in his 14^th year in the state league and third in the black and white – Wilson’s passion for football saw him transition into coaching.

Wilson had been a school teacher for seven years, making his development role a well suited move as he guides the Pies’ young players.

A smart football brain that his experienced plenty throughout close to 200 VFL games, Wilson will again lead the Pies’ midfield in 2025."

A teacher with 200+ games of VFL experience?

Where have I heard that and 'back to back premierships' before?

I'll give him a fair run at it, while nursing my disappointment that we couldn't find the appropriate immortal telepathic entity which our women's team deserves.

Interesting hire, not the longest coaching resume or at the most successful club. We told Gia we couldn’t hire a coach from a bottom 4 club then did that for our women!

But very experienced footy guy. Used to the semiprofessional standard with a mix of egos and athleticism that is the VFL which is similar to the AFLW currently. Background in teaching. Have to assume he isn’t looking at the job to springboard to mens coaching or rebuild a reputation. Hopefully he’s Mick Stinear 2.0

No leaks.

The club is much better at it now. (Just need to keep info down on zoom calls with partners.....)

OK, glad this is finally sorted, good luck to Tom.

The Herald Sun report that we still to find a list boss, head physio, doctor and VFLW coach, although it seems as though the VFLW coach has been in place since December.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-demons-poach-collingwoods-aflw-assistant-coach-to-lead-side-in-2026/news-story/a001fd82cbc2a604ab91e3b33f6e70a4

Tom Wilson does sound like Mick Stinear 2.0. I do like the school teacher background, especially seeing we are still at the early stage of AFLW maturity.

I's love to see what Kingy is doing with the men's program become a club-wide philosophy - adopted in AFLW, VFLW and VFL. We certainly have athletes to execute the Kingy approach in our women's team.

I expect Paul Guerra to make statements about the process and appointment. He gave valuable insights into Kingy's appointment that told us about the man and what he wanted to bring to the Dees.

The Dees social media has been pretty awesome - so much so you want to see more of it. I'd love to see social media all over the new coach and head of MFC's AFLW program.

17 hours ago, Little Goffy said:

immortal telepathic entity

Nev Jetta had commited to the Fitzroy Stars for a second season.

14 minutes ago, Dee in a Kilt said:

I's love to see what Kingy is doing with the men's program become a club-wide philosophy - adopted in AFLW, VFLW and VFL. We certainly have athletes to execute the Kingy approach in our women's team.

I think the women have always played an exciting brand of football.

In this the men are finally following...

I’m keen to give him a go, but jeeez, big shoes to fill, Mick was practically Melbourne Jesus. Have been super proud of the AFLW team.

Welcome to the MFC Tom Wilson, it’s a big challenge, however we have recruited a strong team into manage our very successful AFLW Team, I wish you every success in securing our second AFLW Flag.