Former Melbourne coach Mick Stinear appointed as Geelong AFLW coach

A premiership coach has been appointed as Geelong’s new coach after departing a club last month. He is eager to begin an exciting chapter, but is ‘forever grateful’ for his former side.

Melbourne premiership coach Mick Stinear has been appointed as Geelong’s AFLW coach.

Stinear stepped down after 10 seasons and 101 games with the Demons last month following their preliminary final loss to North Melbourne.

He will replace Dan Lowther who informed the club he would depart to explore other opportunities after five seasons at the helm, with the Cats missing finals the past two years.

Melbourne’s inaugural AFLW coach, Stinear led the Demons to a premiership in 2022 (season seven), having previously coached the Oakleigh Chargers to back-to-back flags in 2014-15.

Stinear lives close by to Geelong in the coastal town of Anglesea and will commence his role in January.

He is eager to begin an exciting chapter and says he is “forever grateful” for his time at Melbourne.

Mick Stinear departed Melbourne after their preliminary final. Picture: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I am excited at the opportunity to build on the foundations that have been laid and to help grow and develop the team as we prepare for Season 11 and beyond,” Stinear said.

“I will be forever grateful for having the privilege of helping to establish Melbourne’s women’s team. I will cherish the relationships built over the years at the Dees and leave proud of the environment we created.

“I have a great respect for the Geelong Football Club and look forward to building on the work of former coaches Paul Hood and Dan Lowther and working closely with the staff and players to deliver a high performance program that leads to a period of sustained success.”

Stinear will commence his role with the Cats in January.

Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking said Stinear’s extensive experience stands out.

“We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Mick as the next AFLW coach of Geelong Football Club,” Hocking said.

“Mick’s extensive experience speaks for itself, he’s had great success at the Dees building a program from its inception that has consistently been one of the top teams in the competition in the first 10 seasons.

“His ability to mentor and build meaningful relationships and his credentials in developing talent will connect with our playing group as we build the foundations for 2026 and beyond.

“We’re excited by Mick’s vision for the next evolution of our AFLW program and the growth of our team.”

Stinear’s signing comes as Geelong has bolstered its AFLW list with four new faces.

Experienced defender Nicola Stevens joined the club via a trade on Tuesday with the Cats sending a future second round pick to St Kilda while also receiving a future third selection in return.

The Cats will be Stevens’ fourth AFLW club having played 92 games across stints with Collingwood, Carlton and the Saints.

Nicola Stevens has headed to the Cats. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Young defender Alissa Brook makes the move across from Port Adelaide, arriving at the Cattery as a delisted free agent.

The 20-year-old has played 10 games including seven in the most recent season.

Experienced forward Jasmin Stewart was the other delisted free agent to agree to don the blue and white hoops after being delisted by the Power.

She played 20 games for Port during a three-year stay.

Meanwhile, Gaelic footballer Emma Murray has joined the club as an other sport rookie.

She was the captain of Waterford in the most recent season and the club said she is a “talented half-back winger with great athletic ability, composure and leadership skills”.

Murray will arrive in Australia in May ahead of the new AFLW season joining Rachel Kearns, Kate Kenny and Aishling Moloney as the other Irish players on the list.

Geelong’s AFLW operations and recruiting manager Ben Waller said he was excited to see Murray sign.

“Emma has displayed the traits of a player who we think can develop into a very athletic half-back and wing prospect; she has impressive running capability and is known back home for her great composure and decision-making,” Waller said.

“We can’t wait to welcome Emma to Australia and the Cats and wish her all the best as she completes her campaign back home with Waterford.”

Originally published as Former Melbourne coach Mick Stinear appointed as Geelong AFLW coach