New coach appointed to develop WA female talent Tuesday, December 18, 2018 - 3:28 PM - by Steve Tuohey

Brisbane Lions premiership player and former assistant coach Beau McDonald has been appointed as head coach of Western Australia’s AFLW State 18s to oversee the development of aspiring female football players and coaches.

McDonald, who will commence in the role of WAFC Coach Coordinator – Female Programs in January, will coach the AFLW 18s, oversee the AFLW 16s program and help to develop and mentor coaches in WA’s under 18s Rogers Cup competition.

McDonald, who played 91 games with the Brisbane Lions including the 2001 and 2002 Premierships and went on to work for the club as an assistant coach for three seasons, said he was looking forward to continuing his career centered around elite sport.
“I really enjoy being part of a team environment where everybody strives to be their best and I want to provide young West Australians the opportunity to achieve their goals and succeed under the high pressures of elite sport,” he said.

“I really enjoyed coaching WA’s North West Academy over the last two years and am looking forward to taking on a new role with WA’s best female football players and coaches.

“I think the development of the coaches in the female talent pathway is just as important as the players to make sure we are providing the best possible development opportunities.”

McDonald will join WAFC Talent Manager Female Programs Clint Degebrodt and Talent Coordinator Elly Lambkin, as well as newly appointed Talent Officer Kate Hartwell, Athlete Development Coordinator Scott Goodin and Wellness and Player Development Coordinator Juliet Williamson in a Female Football Talent team that has been expanded following increased investment from the WAFC and AFL.

WAFC Executive Manager Talent and Football Operations Scott Baker welcomed the new members of staff and said they would help drive WA’s aim of being the best State for talent development.

“It is great news that we have been able to make such high-quality additions to our program that will help us prepare quality players and coaches for both the State League and AFLW Competitions,” he said.

“I look forward to working with all of them to enhance our talent program and offer a best practice approach to female football development.”