Geelong has finalised its AFLW coaching structure ahead of the club’s inaugural season which will see defender Tom Stewart and former Cat Aaron Black join the ranks as assistant coaches.



Paul Hood will lead the AFLW side as senior coach, supported by assistant coaches Stewart, Black and Natalie Wood.



Drafted to Geelong as a mature-aged selection in the 2016 national draft, Stewart has been a revelation for the Cats in his first two seasons at AFL level. After 43 games in the blue and white hoops, Stewart was named in the 2018 All-Australian team for his outstanding season.



Stewart had previous coaching experience at local GFL club South Barwon prior to joining Geelong, and the 25-year-old will begin his level 2 coaching course over the coming months.



Black joins the AFLW coaching team after an AFL career which included 57 games for both Geelong and North Melbourne.



After an ACL injury cut his 2018 season short, Black commenced an assistant coaching role with Geelong’s VFL men’s team during the latter half of the season. Black relished the role and is looking forward to building on his coaching experience with the Cats AFLW side.



“I’m really grateful for the opportunity the club has provided me. Over the last two years at Geelong I have been able to develop significantly as a player, and I’m looking forward to being able to develop my coaching skills over the next few months with the AFLW group,” Stewart said.



Black echoed Stewart’s sentiment, and is excited for the learning opportunity that lies ahead.



“After my experience in the coaches box at VFL level throughout last season, I realised that I have a genuine passion for coaching,” Black said.



“There is a significant amount of football skill and knowledge amongst the AFLW coaches and playing group, an array of different football experiences and views of the game. I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season.”



Wood became the first female coach appointed to a full-time role with the club earlier in the year. After a successful 16-year football career which included 190 games and premierships with the Darebin Falcons and Melbourne University, Wood will become assistant coach of the Cats AFLW side in 2019 as well as VFLW head coach.



Oscar Owens and David Morgan will join the AFLW coaching team as development coaches after two seasons as assistant coaches at VFLW level.



Geelong’s Head of Women’s Football & Pathways Simone Bellears is pleased to have finalised the club’s first AFLW coaching group.



“We are really pleased to welcome Tom, Aaron, Oscar and David into our AFLW coaching group for the club’s inaugural season in 2019.



“Our coaching group is one which boasts diverse football background and experiences, and we are confident in the way they will educate and lead our AFLW team in their first year.”



Geelong’s AFLW side will begin training on Tuesday 20 November.





Geelong’s AFL Coaching Group

Paul Hood – Senior AFLW Coach

Natalie Wood – Assistant Coach (midfield)

Tom Stewart – Assistant Coach (defence)

Aaron Black – Assistant Coach (attack)

Oscar Owens – Development Coach

David Morgan – Development Coach