The Western Bulldogs have finalised their 2018 VFLW coaching panel with AFL ruckman Jordan Roughead to support senior coach Debbie Lee in a specialist role.
Roughead will be joined by assistant coaches Jayden Shea and Esther Hassett, who were both involved in the Western Bulldogs AFLW coaching panel for the 2018 Premiership season.
Collingwood AFLW player and former VU Western Spurs captain Bree White will act as a senior assistant coach alongside Lee, Roughead, Shea and Hassett. With over 200 games under her belt, the Ballarat native will further support the Dogs' VFLW list in their skills development, while providing top-level insight into the professional standards of women's football.
Lee, who also acts as General Manager of Women’s Football, said that the coaching staff will be able to provide AFLW-level experience to the next crop of young women coming through the program.
“Our coaches have experience at AFLW level and have already built great relationships with our players and staff, which puts us in a great position for our first year of the VFLW program,” said Lee.
“Exposure to our highly skilled coaching staff will allow our players to gain valuable insight into the professional standards of AFLW-level football, which will ultimately further their development as athletes,” she said.
Western Bulldogs ruckman, Jordan Roughead has worked alongside Lee at the VU Western Spurs as an assistant coach for the past three seasons, before formally joining the Western Bulldogs AFLW ranks as the forward-line coach in 2018.
“Jordan has been a great support to both the VU Western Spurs and Western Bulldogs women’s football programs over the past few years, he was a natural fit for the position,” said Lee.
The Western Bulldogs will look to finalise their VFLW playing list before their Round One clash against Richmond on Saturday 5th May at Victoria University Whitten Oval.
Coach: Debbie Lee
Specialist Coach: Jordan Roughead
Senior Assistant Coach: Bree White
Forwards Coach: Jayden Shea
Backline Coach: Esther Hassett
