Northern Knights’ premiership coach takes VFLW reins at North Melbourne

Northern Knights’ NAB League Girls premiership coach Marcus Abney-Hastings has landed the top job at North Melbourne’s VFLW team and is looking forward to testing himself at the level.

Marcus Abney-Hastings talks to his Northern Knights players. Picture: Julian Smith

When one door closes, another has opened for Northern Knights premiership coach Marcus Abney-Hastings.

The 2019 NAB League Girls Coach of the Year lost his position in the competition restructure but has landed on his feet, appointed North Melbourne VFLW senior coach on Monday.

“(North Melbourne) contacted me about it and with the changes in the NAB League it was a great time for me to move,” Abney-Hastings said.

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“The synergy between AFLW program and VFLW program has been really strong.

“I’m really excited to see another program and put my spin on things in the VFLW program.”

Abney-Hastings has previous experience as assistant coach at VFL club Coburg and worked with the Knights’ Boys team before taking the reins of the Girls.

Northern Knights captain Gabby Newton and coach Marcus Abney-Hastings lift the NAB League Girls premiership cup.

He led the Knights’ Girls for three seasons, winning the club’s first premiership in 2019, and has also been involved in the Vic Metro under-18 program.

Northern Knights have produced the last two No.1 AFLW Draft picks – Gabby Newton in 2019 and Ellie McKenzie in 2020 – and a number of other elite young talents in that time.

An assistant principal by trade Abney-Hastings was looking forward to stepping up to VFLW level.

“It’s another challenge for my coaching, which is fantastic for my growth as well,” he said.

“North Melbourne have been one of the leaders in the female football space.

“The resources and hard work that has already gone in will allow it to be successful in 2021.”

With the 2020 season cancelled, Abney-Hastings has the opportunity to coach North Melbourne’s first game in the VFLW.

The club took over Melbourne University’s VFLW licence last season but didn’t get to play a game due to the pandemic.

Then, as clubs came to terms with the financial impact of COVID-19, the Kangaroos’ VFL and VFLW programs were at risk of being cut.

However, earlier this month the club confirmed they would both return in 2021.

Natasha Hardy has been appointed Abney-Hastings’ assistant coach.

A start date for VFLW pre-season training remains up in the air with January the most likely return.