Amy Mill to coach Rockhampton Panthers U16 girls in AFL Capricornia

Champion midfielder Amy Mill will be key to the Panthers’ senior women’s title defence this season but she’s also set to play a part in shaping the club’s up-and-coming talent. Find out why.

Amy Mill (second from left) celebrates Panthers’ 2024 grand final win with fellow co-captains Laila Howard and Hayley Richmond and coach Jesse Johnston.

Amy Mill is embarking on a dual role with her beloved Rockhampton Panthers this season.

Arguably the Aussie rules club’s most decorated player, she is taking the reins of the under-16 girls team.

She is relishing her new gig, keen to share the knowledge and experience she’s gleaned over her 10 successful years in the game.

“It’s time for me to give back to the club which has given so much to me,” Mill said when asked what motivated the decision.

“At the moment, we’re still in the recruiting stages, but I’ve seen what some girls can do and it’s making me excited for the season.”

Mill said her coaching would be underpinned by a focus on her players doing the basics well but she was keen to impart one other valuable lesson.

Amy Mill is one of the leading players in the AFL Capricornia senior women’s competition.

“I want them to get out of it what I’m getting out of it and that’s the enjoyment of the game,” she said.

“It’s about being around like-minded people and making friends for life.”

As a coach, Mill is looking forward to mentoring the likes of Evie Norton and Hayley Petersen, members of the Gold Coast Suns Academy who are lining up for their second season in the under-16 division.

She is also keen to develop players who are working into the game or trying it for the first time.

As a player, she wants to build on an already stellar career that includes two senior women’s flags and three North Queensland selections.

The workhorse midfielder will play an integral part in the Panthers’ title defence.

Amy Mill playing for North Queensland in the AFL Queensland representative match against South Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

They scored a memorable win over two-time premiers Yeppoon in a hard-fought grand final last year, with Mill producing a Best on Ground performance.

There will be some different faces in the Panthers’ line-up this season but Mill is counting down to the start of another season with coach Jesse Johnston.

“We’ve lost a few experienced players but there’s some new girls coming in, some young girls stepping up,” Mill said.

“There’s exciting times ahead and Jesse is keen to see us do it again.”

Mill is a fierce competitor, a midfield weapon who turns out four quarters of tough footy every game.

The Rockhampton Panthers were the AFL Capricornia 2024 senior women's champions.

She will again be a dominant force on the club scene but is also eyeing more rep honours.

“I’m always going to aim to be the best and do the best I can,” she said.

Mill found her way to Aussie rules after playing soccer in her formative years.

“I was keen to try something else,” she said.

“I was at university, I was new to town and I went to a uni open day where I found out about Panthers.

“That was 2013 and that’s where my love for the sport and the club started.

“I really like the openness and the flow of Aussie rules.

“It’s also great how anyone from any sport can come in and bring something to the game.”

Originally published as Amy Mill to coach Rockhampton Panthers U16 girls in AFL Capricornia