North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have revealed their updated coaching panel for the 2024 AFLW season, featuring six new additions. The refreshed lineup brings a mix of seasoned expertise and fresh perspectives to the club as they gear up for the summer season.
Among the new appointments is Daniel McKenzie, who will take charge of the forward line. McKenzie, a former St Kilda player with 73 games to his name, joins North Melbourne after Sam Wright's departure to Collingwood as their new AFLW senior coach. McKenzie's experience in the AFL is expected to be a significant asset to the Kangaroos' forward strategy.
Ryan Pendlebury, another notable inclusion, will oversee the midfield. Pendlebury, an experienced VFL player and current senior coach of Euroa in the Goulburn Valley Football League, steps in following the departure of Brad Murphy. Brother of arguably Collingwood's greatest ever player, Scott Pendlebury, footy is deep in Ryan's blood, as is that basketball background.
Adding further depth to the coaching panel is Hugh Greenwood, a North Melbourne veteran who will serve as a specialist coach focusing on the midfield and key posters. Greenwood's dual expertise in professional basketball and AFL brings a unique look to the team.
Meagan Kiely, who captained North Melbourne's VFLW team in 2021 before playing for Richmond in the AFLW, joins as part of the club's female coach graduate program.
Chloe Laan and Tahni Nestor round out the new coaching appointments. Laan joins from Essendon's VFLW program and will focus on developing defenders. Nestor, a former player for Carlton and North Melbourne, will take on the role of development coach for the forwards while also serving as the player development coordinator.
The existing leadership structure remains robust with Darren Crocker continuing as senior coach, entering his fifth season. He will be supported by Rhys Harwood, who remains the senior assistant coach and head of football performance. Nick Devereux will continue coaching the defenders and assume the role of head of player performance.
Assistant coaches Daniel McKenzie and Ryan Pendlebury are among six fresh faces on our coaching panel for the upcoming @aflwomens season 🤝#Kangas
— North Melbourne Women's (@NMFCWomens) June 27, 2024
North Melbourne's general manager of women's football, Erin Lorenzini, expressed her excitement about the new coaching appointments.
"We're thrilled to bring in six new coaches for the upcoming season," Lorenzini said.
"Daniel offers a wealth of experience from his AFL career, and Ryan brings valuable insights from his VFL playing and coaching background.
"We're equally excited about the fresh perspectives that Hugh, Meagan, Chloe, and Tahni will bring to our program.
"Our commitment is to provide the best resources and support for our players, and we look forward to what this group of coaches can achieve this season."
With a dynamic new coaching team in place, North Melbourne is poised for a promising 2024 AFLW season, which commences August 30 and September 1st for the Kangas.
