Hawks swoop on Brownhill as women’s coach

Hawthorn AFC has swooped on its next senior women’s coach, appointing former St Mary’s Salesian mentor, Simon Brownhill.

Brownhill recently finished up as senior coach of the William Buck Premier side after two years at helm. He was previously Senior Assistant during the Saints’ premiership campaigns in 2017 and 2018.

“I am excited to be a part of the growth of the women’s football program and the club’s strategic plan over the coming seasons,” Brownhill said in the club’s announcement.

“I am looking forward to further build on the great work that has formed a successful playing group and help make the Hawks a destination club for women’s footy within the community.”

A former De La Salle and Salesian player, Brownhill was also the coach and president of Ashburton United JFC.

He will have a talented list at his disposal when he arrives at Rathmines Reserve, with the 2021 Hawks finishing in the Division 2 Women’s top four and just one win behind the minor premiers.

The Hawks entered a women’s team in the first year of the VAFA Women’s competition and became the first side to win back-to-back premierships when they claimed the Development Division 4 (2017) and Division 1 (2018) flags.

Picture: Hawthorn AFC