Premiership Bulldog Nicole Callinan has returned to VU Whitten Oval, after being appointed as AFLW Player Development Manager and Girls Talent Pathway Coach.

Callinan’s newly-created role will involve supporting senior coach Nathan Burke and the wider AFLW coaching group with the development of AFLW-listed players and select VFLW-listed players on a full-time basis.

She will also provide coaching and development support to the Club’s Next Generation Academy, in particular girls participating within the Club’s talent pathway program, and will also coach the girls’ teams at regular football carnivals throughout the season.

Callinan said she couldn’t wait to be back at the Bulldogs.  

“I’m so excited about this new opportunity to work in the player development space, which is something I’m so passionate about – it’s a bonus that I get to come back home to the Kennel too,” she said.

“I’m so grateful for my time at both the Saints and Carlton, which have helped my own development journey. There are so many things I’ve experienced along the way, and amazing people I’ve worked with that have helped me get to this point in my career.

“Hopefully I can use what I’ve learnt over the past few years to further develop the AFLW Pups, and also the up and coming talent coming through.”

Executive Director of Football, Chris Grant, said Callinan’s appointment is an important and welcome addition to the program.

“It’s very pleasing to welcome Nicole back to the Club in this newly-created full-time position,” Grant said.

“We continue to be extremely proud of our female coaching development pathway, which has already produced two full-time AFLW head coaches in Natalie Wood (Essendon) and Lisa Webb (Fremantle) and one full-time Coates Talent League Girls head coach in Melissa Hickey (Geelong Falcons).

“It’s also a great full circle moment for Nicole, after playing 24 games in the red, white and blue – including our inaugural 2018 flag – across four seasons.”

Since her playing retirement in 2020, Callinan spent time as St Kilda’s AFLW Player Development Coach and Athlete Wellbeing Mentor, before moving to Carlton to take on the role of back-line coach within their AFLW program and playing/assistant coach in their VFLW program.

The Club will now embark on the recruitment process to fill other vacant coaching positions with its AFLW program, including midfield, backline, and forward-line positions. Expressions of interest can be sent via email to aflw.applications@westernbulldogs.com.au