The Western Bulldogs have finalised their AFLW coaching panel ahead of the upcoming season eight, appointing Kate McCarthy, Matt Skubis and Shaun Campbell as assistant coaches.
McCarthy is no stranger to the red, white and blue, currently acting as a playing/assistant coach for the VFLW Bulldogs.
Skubis joins the ranks from Carlton AFLW, while Campbell signs on following an extensive playing and coaching career across Victoria and ACT.
Before moving into the coaching space, McCarthy played 42 AFLW games across Brisbane, St Kilda and Hawthorn.
She was named in the inaugural AFLW All Australian team in 2017, and also claimed the QWAFL Best and Fairest that same year.
Skubis joins the Kennel after leading Carlton’s forward-line in season seven, with 15 years of coaching experience.
Prior to his time at Carlton, Skubis was the development and backline coach for the Brisbane Lions Girls ’Academy (2021-2022), senior assistant backline coach at Sherwood Magpies in the QAFL (2021-2022) and senior assistant at Darebin in the VFLW (2019-2020).
He also spent as an AFL runner for both Gold Coast Suns (2014-2017) and Brisbane Lions (2009-2010).
Campbell arrives at the Club with extensive coaching experience across several leagues, including AFL Canberra, and Metro Melbourne.
“We’re thrilled to have appointed three quality people and experienced coaches to our AFLW program in Kate, Matt and Shaun,” Bulldogs’ Head of Football, Chris Grant said.
“We’ve witnessed Kate’s abilities first hand as an assistant coach in our VFLW program this season and look forward to seeing what more she can bring to our senior women’s side.
“Matt brings plenty of experience, including working with female athletes and players at the highest national level, making him a clear standout in the recruiting process.
“We are also excited to welcome Shaun to the program in a new role as Stoppage Coach. As a Club, we are very committed to providing coaches who have been performing at a high level outside the traditional state and national pathways with opportunities to continue their development with us at AFL level.
“We believe Shaun’s appointment represents a great example of our commitment to developing coaches for future roles within the AFLW competition.”
McCarthy (forward-line), Skubis (backline) and Campbell (stoppages) join premiership player Nicole Callinan (player development manager) as new additions to the coaching panel.
Head coach Nathan Burke will enter his fifth season at the helm, while AFL-listed player Josh Bruce will continue to help out as a development coach where possible.
2023 AFLW coaching panel
Head Coach: Nathan Burke
Forwards Coach: Kate McCarthy
Backline Coach: Matt Skubis
Stoppages Coach: Shaun Campbell
Player Development Manager: Nicole Callinan
Development Coach: Josh Bruce
