Bombers Finalize 2024 AFLW Coaching Panel

Senior Coach Natalie Wood will continue for a third season, supported by assistants Natasha Hardy and Bernard Shepheard. The Bombers also welcome former AFLW Premiership Coach Paul Groves as the new Midfield Coach. VFLW Senior Coach Cherie O’Neill will step up as the Development Coach this year.

Groves brings over 13 years of coaching experience, including leading the Western Bulldogs to an AFLW premiership in 2018 and most recently serving as Head of Sport at St. Bernard’s College.

Shepheard, previously a Development Coach in 2023, will now take on the role of Forward Coach, marking his 14th year at the club after serving as Head of VFL and Community.

Hardy, the inaugural VFLW Vice-Captain in 2018, transitioned to coaching roles with North Melbourne before rejoining the AFLW Bombers. She will continue as Defence Coach this season.

O’Neill, who had a strong season with the VFLW squad, will bring over a decade of coaching experience to her new role as Development Coach.

Acting Head of AFLW James Polkinghorne expressed confidence in the coaching team’s ability to lead and guide the players.

“We are thrilled to have finalised our coaching panel for the 2024 season. It’s fantastic to have stability with Natalie and Natasha continuing for their third seasons and Bernard stepping up as an assistant coach after his year as a development coach last year,” Polkinghorne said.

“We are also excited to welcome Paul to the club. Paul is well respected throughout the industry and has excellent experience working in women’s football and education. As a Premiership coach with the Western Bulldogs AFLW program, Paul understands what it takes to build a successful football program. His knowledge will be highly beneficial to the playing group and wider program.

“It’s also fantastic to have Cherie step up from our VFLW program into a development coach role. Cherie joined Essendon before this year’s VFLW season and has already made a great impact. With over 10 years of coaching experience, Cherie is an excellent addition to our panel.”