Earlier this year, she led the Dandenong Stingrays’ under-16 boys team as head coach. Transitioning from assisting with the Stingrays’ under-16 and under-18 girls teams the previous year, Mackenzie Eardley received an unexpected opportunity from her former coach Nick Cox. He offered her the role of coaching the boys’ team independently.
“Being entrusted with the head coach position for an under-16 boys program wasn’t something I anticipated,” Eardley shared with AFL.com.au. “Nick showed immense faith and confidence in me, which was incredibly motivating. When someone who has observed your growth both on and off the field believes in you to that extent, it’s a challenge worth embracing.
Raised in a football-oriented environment with her brothers and her father, who coached at South Mornington juniors, Eardley felt compelled to seize the coaching opportunity when it arose, especially with the support she received.
Under Eardley’s guidance, the Stingrays achieved victories in both of their official matches against Geelong Falcons and GWV Rebels. The program, spanning from November to April, included several practice matches, with one training session per week coinciding with the under-18 Stingrays.
Navigating the dynamics of coaching 15-year-old boys presented a new experience for Eardley. However, she emphasized the importance of building trust and rapport with her players. Witnessing their eagerness to learn and develop made coaching a rewarding experience.
Reflecting on her coaching journey, Eardley drew inspiration from her former backline coach, Steph Binder, who recently assumed the role of Hawthorn’s defensive assistant. Binder’s presence as a female coach during Eardley’s time with the Stingrays instilled the belief that women could excel in coaching roles.
While Eardley’s focus remains on her playing career with Hawthorn in the AFLW, she harbors aspirations of furthering her coaching credentials and potentially transitioning into coaching at the AFL level in the future. Despite her individual achievements, Eardley credits the dedication and hard work of her players, with nine of them earning spots in the final under-16 Vic Country squad selection.
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