Melbourne has finalised its AFLW coaching lineup for the upcoming season, combining new appointments with experienced returning coaches to strengthen the program.
Former AFL player Daniel Currie joins the club as AFLW Assistant Coach (Forwards), arriving from Collingwood’s AFLW program where he coached the Magpies’ forward line across the past two seasons.
Originally drafted by the Sydney Swans in 2007, the journeyman ruckman/forward brings a wealth of experience after an AFL career spanning a decade across three clubs, Sydney, North Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Another addition, although not entirely new to the program is Riley Bonner who will join as an AFLW Assistant Coach (Defence). Bonner first joined Melbourne’s AFLW program in an informal role in 2025 and has now officially assumed responsibility for the backline heading into the 2026 season.
Bonner played 112 AFL games with Port Adelaide and St Kilda and is currently playing in the VFL for the Casey Demons, where he is co-captain and the reigning best and fairest winner.
In further exciting news, Shae Sloane has transitioned into the role of AFLW Head of Development for the 2026 season. Sloane originally joined Melbourne’s AFLW playing list in 2019 before moving into a development coaching role following her playing career.
Her appointment will allow for a primary focus on the growth and development of Melbourne’s AFLW players, further strengthening the program.
These appointments follow the signings of Head Coach Tom Wilson and AFLW General Manager Katrina Gill in April.
GM of AFLW Football Katrina Gill praised the new-look coaching group and expressed her excitement for the season ahead.
“We are excited to bring this coaching group together. Shae, Vin, Riley and Dan have their own unique strengths and experiences but share similar values and philosophies and will complement new Senior Coach, Tom,” Gill said
“Our coaches are fully invested in supporting our playing group to get better every day, and their enthusiasm and expertise has been evident as we start pre-season training.
“We are looking forward to the work ahead and seeing what we can achieve together.”
Melbourne will also retain continuity across the remainder of the coaching group, with Vincent Chungue continuing as AFLW Assistant Coach (Midfield) and AFLW Strategy Coach, while Rhi Watt will remain AFLW Rucks Coach and Runner.
The club has also appointed Bryan Harper as the AFLW program’s new Coaching Mentor. Harper brings more than 30 years of leadership experience at Yarra Valley Grammar within the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria competition, alongside an extensive and highly successful coaching career in cricket. His experience spans roles with Cricket Australia, Melbourne Cricket Club, Caulfield Cricket Club, and most recently the International Cricket Council.
Harper’s leadership and expertise will provide tremendous value to Melbourne’s coaching staff, with the club excited by the support he will bring to the program.
Melbourne’s AFLW program kicked off their pre-season on Monday May 11, and their season will begin against Hawthorn on Thursday August 13 at IKON Park, 7:15pm.
You can view the full AFLW Fixture here.
