AFLW assistant coach Natalie Wood will depart the Kennel, after accepting the head coaching position at Essendon Football Club.

Wood served as the AFLW Bulldogs’ midfield coach for two seasons, after spending four years at Geelong as the Cats’ AFLW midfield coach and VFLW head coach. 

Prior to this, she enjoyed a 17-year playing career, including 190 games and three premierships combined with the Darebin Falcons and Melbourne University. 

Wood also represented the Bulldogs in the earlier AFL Women’s exhibition games in 2013 and 2014. 

“If I had this perfectly, I would lead this group – but there is already a great leader here in place,” Wood said. 

“The Club has allowed me to grow and flourish. The eagerness of the playing group and their readiness for new information is outstanding. 

“It has been an absolute delight to work with the players and staff here – I know they are onto something special and I can’t wait to watch from afar.”

General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee, said while Wood will be missed, the Club supports her wishes to take on the new role.

“As much as we will miss Woody and her expertise, we couldn’t be happier for her and the opportunity she has been given at Essendon,” Lee said. 

“She is highly respected in women’s football for what she has been able to do, and we’re extremely proud to have played a part in her development as a senior coach. 

“We’re all about advancement for women in football, so while we’re disappointed to lose Woody, it’s great that our program was able to have a helping hand in providing women with more senior opportunities. 

“We wish her all the best for the future.”

The Bulldogs will begin the process of appointing a new assistant coach in due course.