Geelong has finalised its coaching line up ahead of the upcoming AFL Women’s season.
The team will be led by former Cats midfielder Dan Lowther, who was appointed senior coach in June, after inaugural coach Paul Hood stood down.
Lowther had previously been an assistant coach at the Cats during the 2021 AFLW season.
Lowther previously played 34 AFL games for Geelong between 1996 and 2001.
He will be supported by five familiar faces returning to the coaches box in 2021.
Former Adelaide Crow Jess Foley will step into an assistant coaching role this season, after serving as the Cats’ ruck coach in 2021.
Foley, who also doubles up as the men’s team doctor, will be in charge of the defensive unit.
Josh Finch and Aaron Black will also return as assistant coaches.
Finch was the Cats’ defence coach, but will work with the midfield group for the 2022 season, while Black will again be in charge of the forwards.
Elise Coventry also returns as a development coach.
Coventry was part of the inaugural Cats AFLW squad and played 30 VFLW games for Geelong before retiring due to an ACL injury.
She joined the Cats as a development coach ahead of the last season.
David Morgan rounds out the coaching group and will continue as bench coach.
Geelong head of AFLW Brett Johnson said the club was pleased with its coaching group.
“This coaching group will look familiar to a lot of people, it’s been a matter of those internally taking on new roles which is exciting,” he said.
“We have seen a number of coaches step up, with Dan Lowther now leading the group and Jess Foley stepping into an assistant coaching role.
“Jess has made a fantastic contribution in a range of areas over her first year at the club, and we are pleased to see her recognised. Jess is already leading our defenders super well, and we’re looking forward to seeing her develop as a line coach.”
Geelong finished the 2021 season in 13th place, picking up one win from its nine games.
The fixture for the 2022 season, which is set to start on January 6, is yet to be released.
