PRIOR to taking on his new role as Melbourne’s AFLW senior coach, Tom Wilson was familiar with the talent of the Dees’ women’s program.

Wilson arrived at AAMI Park last Monday making the short walk over from Collingwood’s facility, having coached the last two seasons in the Magpies’ AFLW program.

He spent years coaching against the red and blue, but Wilson is now ready to lead the charge at the Dees and is eager to keep the momentum going off the back of Melbourne’s 2025 season.

“It’s really exciting and it’s clearly a great opportunity,” Wilson said.

“I’m really grateful for the way that the club’s welcomed me this week…it's been a really positive week.

“The playing group have probably had Mick [Stinear] for the entirety of their careers and he's done a great job and the staff have done a great job.

"I see a great opportunity here and an ability to continue to grow the game and keep taking inroads on where we want to get to [as a team].

"The playing group excites me and the list excites me, I’m just thrilled to get this opportunity."

Wilson formally start his role at the beginning of last week, with Melbourne currently running optional AFLW training sessions prior to pre-season officially starting on May 11.

“It's been a terrific week, the playing group has been really welcoming and opened their arms, which has been really comforting,” Wilson said. 

"Throughout the week, one thing that's probably stood out to me is how player-driven the group is.

"With their experiences in the last four months, they've probably had to lean on each other a fair bit and that's been pretty evident this week.

“The leadership amongst the group, Kate [Hore] with the way that she leads, but also [Tyla Hanks] and [Eliza McNamara], the way that they bring each other along, it’s really impressive.

“The leadership and the connection amongst the group has really stood out to me.”

Hear more from Wilson below.