Premiership Bulldog added to 2024 AFLW coaching panel

The Western Bulldogs AFLW team have locked in their 2024 coaching panel after appointing 2016 premiership player Toby McLean as a midfield coach.

McLean - who was delisted at the end of last year after 102 games beginning in 2015 - comes into the mix with nine seasons of playing experience to assist with the women's program, joining current player Rory Lobb in a key role.

Former Casey VFLW assistant Ben Friggi will look after the forwards while head coach Tam Hyett will have Peter Mercoulia, former Melbourne AFLW assistant and Casey VFLW senior coach, and Malcolm Bangs, former national Judo training partner, as specialist coaches at her disposal.

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Lobb will be utilised in a mentoring role, helping predominantly players in the ruck and key positions while 2004 Port Adelaide premiership player Brendon Lade (Bulldogs assistant coach) will also lend a hand in the director of coaching role.

“We're extremely pleased with the calibre of people we've been able to bring into our program this season, particularly in the coaching space,” Patrice Berthold, General Manager Women's Football, said.

“Both Toby and Ben have hit the ground running with their respective line groups, while we're excited to see the team's improvements from a strategy, contest and tackling perspective via Peter and Malcolm.

“We are confident all of these appointments will complement both Tam and Matt, while helping continue to develop our playing group as we strive for success in 2024 and beyond.”