By Malaya Rodezno, Williamstown Media
Established in 2020, run by the AFL and supported by BHP, the month brings focus to the pathway programs and initiatives that encourage more women and girls to volunteer and coach football, from junior local clubs to elite programs.
The initiative aims to highlight and promote the contributions of female coaches at all levels, anticipating an increase in women’s involvement.
Williamstown’s major asset in uplifting the women’s coaching culture at the Club is player-coach Ash Thorneycroft, who is currently the only female coaching staff member.
Playing and coaching for Williamstown last season and returning for the 2025 season, Ash has played 20 VFLW games for the blue and gold so far.
Holding the title of VFLW Midfield Development Coach for the last 18 months, and being awarded the Club’s season 2024 runner-up Best and Fairest, it is no secret that she has played a key role in the success of the team so far again this year.
Senior VFLW Coach Liam Cavanagh reflected on the qualities Thorneycroft brings to the coaching panel.
He said, “Ash’s perspective is so unique”, having been around the AFLW when it all kicked off and experiencing all the challenges of that era, Ash also currently understands and performs in the current state of the women’s game.
“Her balance is a wonderful perspective for coaches and players alike, she has seen where the women’s game has come from and grown with it”, said Cavanagh.
When asked about her growth since arriving at the Club he said, “I’ve been blown away by Ash’s development as a coach, her leadership, organisation and commitment to her role”.
“When the time comes for Ash to fully pursue coaching, she will go a long way; her knowledge and understanding of the game far exceeds mine”, said Cavanagh.
Female engagement and involvement in football programs have significantly increased over the years. This season saw a 13% increase, with 2,200 women now coaching local footy across community leagues.
Yet, the AFL must continue to grow their numbers to achieve the Women and Girls Action Plan, which aims for women and girls to make up 40 percent of all accredited coaches by 2030.
Williamstown proudly has a notable number of VFLW players who coach outside of the Club including Eloise Burdett-Moore, Camryn Bux, Charli Sette, Jazmin Tweddle O’Donnell, Georgia Howes, Mikayla Plant, India Barker, Claire Lightfoot, Ella Tyson, Zoe Attard, Molly Simpson and Mia D’Agostino.
It’s also crucial to recognise that past Seagull and former VFLW Captain, Erin Meade, has switched her boots for a clipboard in 2025 being added to the Western Bulldogs AFLW coaching panel for their upcoming season.
Meade has commenced as a Development Coach at the Kennel following a seven-year record breaking career in the blue and gold.