Suns bring in more reinforcements

THE Suns’ off-season signing spree has continued, with the bolstering of backroom staff.

THE Suns’ off-season signing spree has continued, with the bolstering of backroom staff.

Fiona McLarty has been appointed to the role of head of women’s football in a key move as the club takes their initial steps in preparing for entry into the AFLW competition in 2020.

Chief executive Mark Evans welcomed McLarty to the club after the completion of an extensive process.

SUNS RECRUIT ON WHY HE LEFT

“I’m thrilled to welcome Fiona McLarty to the newly created position,” Evans said.

“This is a significant appointment for our club as we build towards our first AFLW team taking the field in 2020.”

Fiona McLarty (left) with students Nicole Woods 6, Thomas McCaskill 7 and former Geelong player Steven Johnson.

McLarty who begins the role on Monday, will be responsible for overseeing the women’s football program at the SUNS.

“Fiona will now begin the process to appoint our first AFLW senior coach, before turning her attention to the development of our inaugural playing list ahead of the 2020 season,” said Evans.

NEW SUNS COACH

With 17 years’ experience working in the AFL industry, McLarty was the first full-time female development officer in Australia and has seen first-hand the growth of female sport, having been a player, coach and administrator at both AFL headquarters and with AFL Queensland.

“Fiona has extensive experience and understanding of the AFL Industry and women’s sport at both the grass roots and elite level,” Evans said.

“This combined with her knowledge of the Queensland women’s football market and her undoubted connection to our community through her numerous volunteer roles made Fiona the stand out candidate as we get set for 2020.”

BIGGEST SUNS TRADES

McLarty joins the club after most recently holding the role of Gold Coast Regional Manager at AFL Queensland, where she has worked closely with the development of junior male and female talent in the region.