A fatal accident occurred on a Melbourne freeway where a motorcyclist lost control on the Bulla Rd off-ramp from the Tullamarine Fwy in Essendon North around 2:30 pm on Friday. The rider, whose identity has not been disclosed, tragically passed away at the site. Victoria Police are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
Navigating self-doubt and uncertainty: How female coaches in AFLW manage ‘impostor syndrome’
Pearce (West Coast) and Arnell (Port Adelaide) have joined Natalie Wood (Essendon), Lisa Webb (Fremantle), and Tamara Hyett (Western Bulldogs) in leading their respective AFLW programs.
‘It makes me better as a player’: New wave of female coaches emerges
However, in a male-dominated arena where doubts often linger, overcoming ‘impostor syndrome’ becomes pivotal. Each coach must not only impart technical knowledge but also combat internal skepticism.
Each coach employs unique strategies to navigate these uncertainties and ensure peak performance.
“I think a bit of self-doubt is healthy from an ego perspective,” remarked Port Adelaide’s Arnell to AFL.com.au. “Having a solid support system around me helps reinforce my capabilities and why I’m in this role.”
Arnell’s background is illustrious, marked by nine premierships with the Darebin Falcons and a stint as Carlton’s inaugural AFLW captain. Yet, when Port Adelaide initially approached her for the coaching role in 2022, doubts surfaced.
“When Port Adelaide approached me, I hesitated, thinking, ‘Am I ready for this?'” Arnell admitted. “It mirrored the challenges I had helped other women navigate in coach development at AFL Victoria.”
For Pearce, appointed West Coast coach in December, her storied career as a premiership captain doesn’t stave off self-doubt.
“Even with my achievements, I’m aware of what I haven’t experienced,” Pearce noted. Her tenure at Geelong under Chris Scott taught her the importance of delegation and strategic leadership.
Webb, at Fremantle, tackles self-doubt by focusing on continual growth and maintaining balance after wins and losses. Meanwhile, Hyett, new to the Bulldogs, embraces occasional self-discovery moments.
Managing personal well-being while nurturing a team of 30 players demands introspection and support.
“I do a lot of self-reflection and mental health work,” explained Essendon’s Wood. “It’s crucial to model the same growth mindset we expect from players.”
As more women take the helm, their impact extends beyond the field, reshaping coaching norms and inspiring future generations.
