Paul Hood will take the reins as the inaugural coach of the Geelong Cats AFLW team that will enter the league for the 2019 season. Hood has successfully led the Cats VFLW squad since being appointed to the role in 2016.

Under Hood’s stewardship, the Cats won eight games in the club’s inaugural VFLW campaign last season, remaining in finals contention until the final round of the season.

“I’m really excited to continue in the role as the Geelong Football Club’s women’s football coach,” Hood said.

“The growth of women’s football in the Geelong region has been outstanding over the last two years and I’m looking forward to continuing to provide a pathway for young female footballers in the region and help them in their aspirations to play AFLW.

“The players in our VFLW program have been working extremely hard over the last 18 months and our entire coaching and performance team look forward to continuing to support each and every one of them.

“I’d like to thank the club and the entire staff for how well they have supported the women’s program in our inaugural VFLW season. I’m looking forward to strengthening those relationships as we move into the AFLW competition.”

Geelong’s Chief Executive Brian Cook believes the club’s first AFLW entry will be in good hands.

“Paul has done a fantastic job in his role as our women’s team coach, and we believe he is the perfect coach to lead our inaugural team in the AFLW,” Cook said.

“Paul is enormously respected within our club and the game, and has shown himself to be an exceptional leader of our team.”

Hood has previous senior coaching experience with the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup and the Cats men’s VFL team.

Hood enjoyed a decorated playing career. He won the 1995 Morrish Medal as the TAC Cup’s best player, and played VFL football with Geelong and North Ballarat. Hood then enjoyed a long playing career in the GFL with St Joseph’s before venturing into coaching.