The AFL is pleased to confirm the coaches selected in the 2026 BHP Women's Coaching Academy, with representation from State League, Multicultural and Indigenous programs across Australia.

The BHP Women's Coaching Academy is a development program for emerging women in coaching roles. The Academy's purpose is to continue to build their skills across leadership, mental fitness and communication, while also contributing to the attraction and retention of women coaches.

The program is designed for coaches working within the AFL Talent Pathway, with each participant nominated by their state talent program.

The nine coaches selected in this year's intake are Cassie Blakeway (Assistant Coach, Geelong Falcons U18 Girls), Rhiannon Busch (Coach, Essendon Next Generation Academy Girls), Ange Dickson (Assistant Coach, Western Jets U18 Girls), Sophia Ikosidekas (Head Coach, Brisbane Lions Academy U18 Girls), Bek McMahon (State Coach, South Australia U16 Girls), Jordy Mifsud (Head Coach, Woomeras Indigenous U16 Girls), Kayla Mudge (Assistant Coach, Northern Territory U18 Girls), Ange Roan (Assistant Coach, Medleys Multicultural U16 Girls) and Tia Toth (Assistant Coach, Western Australia U18 Girls).

The Academy consists of four online learning sessions, along with an in-person connection and development workshop in November.

The online sessions included presentations from AFL coaching and talent staff, including AFL Talent Pathways National Coaching and Performance Manager, Tarkyn Lockyer, and AFL Talent Pathways Coach Developer, Sam McKenzie.

Past participants to have featured in the BHP Women's Coaching Academy include West Coast Eagles' AFLW head coach Daisy Pearce, 2026 Victoria Metro U18 Boys title-winning coach, Lauren Morecroft and former AFLW players Melissa Hickey, Alicia Eva and Shae Sloane.

AFL Head of Talent Pathways, Nicky Couston, congratulated the nine coaches selected in the Academy.

"Well done to the nine coaches selected in the 2026 BHP Women's Coaching Academy. This is a huge achievement and well deserved recognition for their work at the Talent Pathways level," Couston said.

"Thanks to BHP, for its continual support of women's coaching and development. There are many promising young women and girls who are the next generation of elite football coaches, and it's fantastic to see them offered opportunities to refine their skills and experience through these programs."

Quote attributed to BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery:
"Our partnership with the AFLW has always been about strengthening communities through connection, inclusion and opportunity, on and off the field," Slattery said.

"The Women's Coaching Academy is a great example of that in action – backing nine talented coaches this year from across the talent pathway, including multicultural and Indigenous programs, and giving them the development and connections to keep building their careers in the game.

"When we invest in women coaches, the benefit flows right through to the clubs and communities they lead. We're proud to support this group and look forward to seeing where they take the game next."

2026 BHP Women's Coaching Academy participants: