Melbourne FC makes appointments for New Coach Role
Scott Pendlebury’s brother takes a coaching position at North Melbourne
For the next AFLW season, the Kangaroos have introduced a fresh group of coaching staff.
The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have unveiled their revamped coaching staff, which includes six new members, for the 2024 AFLW campaign. As the team prepares for the summer, the reorganized lineup offers a blend of new ideas and years of experience.
Daniel McKenzie, who will oversee the front line, is one of the new hires. Having played 73 games for St Kilda, McKenzie joins North Melbourne as their new AFLW senior coach following Sam Wright’s departure to Collingwood. The AFL experience McKenzie has is anticipated to be a big help to the Kangaroos’ forward line-up.
Another noteworthy addition, Ryan Pendlebury, will be in charge of the midfield. After Brad Murphy leaves, Pendlebury, a former VFL player and senior coach of Euroa in the Goulburn Valley Football League, takes over. Ryan’s love for football and his history in basketball go deep. He is the brother of Scott Pendlebury, who is perhaps Collingwood’s finest player ever.
Hugh Greenwood, a seasoned North Melbourne coach who will act as a specialized coach concentrating on the midfield and key spots, will round up the coaching group. Greenwood gives the squad a distinctive appearance because to his combined knowledge in professional basketball and the AFL.
Meagan Kiely, who played for Richmond in the AFLW after captaining North Melbourne’s VFLW squad in 2021, is a graduate of the club’s female coach program.
Tahni Nestor and Chloe Laan complete the new coaching roster. Laan, who comes from Essendon’s VFLW program, will concentrate on defender development. Nestor, a former player for North Melbourne and Carlton, will coordinate player development in addition to acting as the forwards’ development coach.
With Darren Crocker, who is about to begin his sixth season as senior coach, the current leadership structure is still strong. Rhys Harwood, who is still the head of football performance and senior assistant coach, will help him. In addition to leading player performance, Nick Devereux will keep leading the defense.
Erin Lorenzini, general manager of women’s football at North Melbourne, voiced her pleasure on the new coaching hires.
“We’re thrilled to bring in six new coaches for the upcoming season,” Lorenzini stated.
“Ryan provides insightful knowledge from his VFL coaching and playing experiences, and Daniel adds a plethora of expertise from his AFL career.
Hugh, Meagan, Chloe, and Tahni’s new viewpoints will be a welcome addition to our curriculum, and we’re all enthusiastic about them.
“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.
