ESSENDON has appointed former Western Bulldogs and Geelong senior assistant coach Natalie Wood as its inaugural AFLW coach.
Wood has spent the past two years at the Dogs as midfield coach, having started her AFLW coaching career at the Cats as VFLW senior coach and AFLW midfield coach.
She had a 17-year playing career in her own right, split across Darebin and Melbourne Uni in the VWFL, winning five flags, representing Victoria on 10 occasions and is a three-time All-Australian.
Wood also played for the Bulldogs in the 2013 and 2014 Hampson-Hardeman Cups.
"Natalie was the standout candidate throughout this process with her vast experience and passion for the game and educating players, and we’re thrilled to make this significant appointment," Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said.
"Natalie has an extensive career as a teacher, player and coach and is a fantastic character to lead the club towards and during our first AFLW season.
"Natalie’s football and leadership knowledge made her the most suitable candidate for the role. She is highly respected throughout women’s football and we are extremely excited to welcome someone of her quality to the club."
Wood said she was proud and grateful to have the opportunity to coach the Bombers' first AFLW side.
"The club has developed a very strong women’s program and culture since their introduction to the VFLW and I look forward to continuing the development of women’s football at Essendon," Wood said.
"To be joining the red and black family, and a club like Essendon with its rich history, is a true privilege."
Wood will be the fourth woman to be a senior coach at AFLW level since its inception in 2017, following Bec Goddard (Adelaide and Hawthorn), Michelle Cowan (Fremantle) and Peta Searle (St Kilda).
Sydney has appointed Scott Gowans as its inaugural coach, leaving just Port Adelaide as the only expansion club yet to name its leader.
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