2025 VFLW Coaching Panel Announced

18/03/2025

The Sandringham Zebras are delighted to announce the VFLW coaching panel for the 2025 season.

Head Coach

After spending 2024 as an Assistant Coach with the men’s team, Lachlan Harris will be the Senior Coach of the Women’s side.

Not only is Harris an experienced coach, previously as a Senior Coach in the VFLW and as Senior Assistant Coach with St Kilda’s AFLW team, he has also already worked with numerous current Zebras players, something that will be advantageous for the side in 2025.

Assistant coaches

Andy Farrall is back once again to spearhead the midfield for his fifth year at the club. A previous winner of the ‘Eric Mackenzie Memorial Trophy’ for the Best Club Person, Farrall has become a key member of Sandringham, and we’re thrilled to have him onboard for this year.

Deanna Jolliffe will oversee the backline, not only in a coaching position, but she will have a unique player/coach role. Jolliffe’s strong leadership has always been felt on and off the field, so this move perfectly suits her and allows for the defence to have a coaching presence on the ground.

Shane Hamill will take charge of the forward line as he returns for another season at Sandringham.

Development coaches

In 2025 the VFLW side will have two new development coaches in Alison Downie and Tilly Arthur.

Downie recently retired from the AFLW after spending seven years with Collingwood and Carlton, playing 59 games in the ruck. Currently working as a Development Coach with St Kilda's AFLW Team, she is one of the most experienced players in women’s football and has also won three WNBL championships with the Dandenong Rangers, so her experience at the highest level in multiple sports will give a unique edge to the coaching panel.

Arthur previously has worked as the head coach of the Old Geelong Football club and as an assistant coach at the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League girls’ program. Her connection and on field direction will serve well as Match Day runner.

Analytics/ High Performance:

Returning for another season as Head of Analytics for the team is CJ Bezzant. This will be Bezzant’s third year with Sandringham, where in 2025, they will work with both the VFLW and VFL teams.

Aimee Medwin is another new addition to the team, she will be joining the side as the High Performance Manager in 2025. An elite athlete in her own right playing in the A-League Women's with Western United, she has brought a professional edge to maximise player performance this year.

Written by Thomas Dev - Sandringham FC