MELBOURNE Football Club has further strengthened the leadership of its women’s program, with former VFL star Tom Wilson signing on as the club’s next head coach.

Wilson arrives at the Demons after spending the past two seasons as head of development and midfield coach of Collingwood’s women’s program. He has also served as a Development and Assistant Coach in the Pies VFL program since 2023.

Winning five club best and fairest awards across his 176-game VFL career with the Northern Blues, Northern Bullants and Collingwood, Wilson was considered one of the league’s most respected players before his retirement at the end of the 2025 season.

This news follows the appointment of Katrina Gill as the Demons AFLW general manager, following a 15-year tenure at the Adelaide Football Club. 

Wilson will spearhead a coaching staff looking to deliver Melbourne’s second AFLW premiership following last year’s preliminary final effort.

Heading into the 11th season of the women’s competition, Wilson will be just the second AFLW coach in the club’s history after inaugural coach Mick Stinear stepped down after 10 campaigns in charge.

Chief of Football & Innovation Ned Guy said Wilson’s appointment provided a springboard for the AFLW program to now hone in on the upcoming season.

“We’re really excited to welcome Tom to the club,” Guy said.

“Throughout the process it became apparent to us that he is the perfect person to take our program to the next level.

“He has quickly built a strong reputation in the women’s coaching space, with his ability to communicate strongly and accelerate the growth of his players.

“We feel the combination of an impressive footy resumé, a genuine passion for the women’s game and an extensive teaching background will hold Tom in great stead in this role.”