Geelong has turned to Melbourne premiership mentor Mick Stinear to fill its vacant AFLW coaching role.
The Surf Coast-based Stinear replaces Dan Lowther, who departed the role after five seasons in charge last month.
Stinear led the Demons, an AFLW foundation club in 2017, from their inception, and is one of only three coaches in competition history – Craig Starcevich and Matthew Clarke are the others – to coach 100 matches.
Melbourne posted an impressive 71-30 record during his tenure, making six finals appearances in ten seasons and winning the Season 7 premiership in 2022.
The 41-year-old was honoured with life membership of the Demons at their presentation night on the weekend following a season in which they were beaten in a preliminary final.
“I am excited at the opportunity to build on the foundations that have been laid and to help grow and develop the team as we prepare for Season 11 and beyond,” Stinear said.
“I will be forever grateful for having the privilege of helping to establish Melbourne’s women’s team. I will cherish the relationships built over the years at the Dees and leave proud of the environment we created.
“I have a great respect for the Geelong Football Club and look forward to building on the work of former coaches Paul Hood and Dan Lowther and working closely with the staff and players to deliver a high-performance program that leads to a period of sustained success.”
Before coaching Melbourne, Stinear led the Oakleigh Chargers to consecutive boys Talent League premierships in 2014-15.
As a player, he spent 2003 as a rookie at Carlton before heading to Queensland club Mt Gravatt and winning the Grogan Medal as QAFL best-and-fairest.
“We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Mick as the next AFLW coach of Geelong Football Club,” CEO Steve Hocking said.
“Mick’s extensive experience speaks for itself; he’s had great success at the Dees, building a program from its inception that has consistently been one of the top teams in the competition in the first 10 seasons.
“His ability to mentor and build meaningful relationships and his credentials in developing talent will connect with our playing group as we build the foundations for 2026 and beyond.
“We’re excited by Mick’s vision for the next evolution of our AFLW program and the growth of our team.”
X: @krockfootball
