Collingwood have confirmed their coaching group ahead of this month's start to their AFLW campaign, with senior coach Steve Symonds leading the magpies for a third season.
Symonds will remain accompanied by recently retired AFL defender Jordan Roughead, who will step into a senior assistant and midfield coaching role for the upcoming season, his fourth with the Magpies' women's side.
Chris Gamble (head of development), Martha Cantwell (midfield development) and Jason Brown (forward coach) will step into new roles, while ex-AFL journeyman Michael Hartley will return as the club's backline development coach.
He will be assisted by incoming former Adelaide player Sam Shaw, who joins Collingwood after three seasons as Richmond's AFLW backline coach.
Shaw played 24 games for the Crows' men's side, making his debut in 2012 before leaving the club after six years following an ongoing battle with concussion.
โThis coaching panel offers a diverse set of coaching skills and offers great balance for our program,โ Symonds said of his new group.
โHaving retained most coaches from our last season provides great stability for our players and staff who have developed strong relationships with these coaches.
โHaving Jordan step up into a new role is very exciting for our club and is a great opportunity for him to take the next step in his coaching career. Jordan has long been involved in womenโs football and over the course of his four years with our AFLW team, he has developed strong connections with the group and is highly respected by all involved in the program.
โWeโre also pleased to welcome Sam to the club. He brings great experience as a past AFL player as well as through his time as a coach with Richmond. In his time with us already, he has been a wonderful fit amongst both the coaching and playing group.
โWith a wealth of experience across our coaching panel, weโre well-positioned to achieve greater success and progress in the upcoming AFLW season.โ
Collingwood have confirmed the departure of Chloe McMillan, who has joined the club's men's program., while Scott Gowans (Sydney Swans) and James Debono (Defence Force) have left the AIA Centre.
Collingwood will begin their upcoming AFLW campaign against Carlton in the competition's season opener at Princes Park on Thursday, August 25.
