VAFA appoints Coach Developers for 2022

The VAFA has announced the appointment of three new VAFA Coach Developers to support VAFA clubs and their coaches through 2022. The introduction of VAFA Coach Developers is new to the VAFA in 2022 and is supported by AFL Victoria.

Lawrie Woodman, Robert Shaw and Lauren Morecroft will be supporting clubs in 2022 and have been appointed due to their strong understanding of the football space, knowledge of the VAFA, extensive coaching backgrounds and understanding of Coach Development as a key tool to support new and established coaches. Each VAFA Coach Developer will bring a unique skill set to the role and will be able to support VAFA clubs and coaches through their extensive experience and knowledge.

Robert will work predominantly with VAFA Divisional Clubs based in the North/West, Lawrie will work with VAFA Divisional Clubs based in the South/East and Lauren will work the Women coaches across the VAFA network.

The main purpose of the three VAFA Coach Developers is to support VAFA clubs and coaches through observation, feedback and supportive plans to increase the knowledge and skills of VAFA coaches. Lauren, Robert and Lawrie will also deliver Coaching workshops to the entire VAFA Coaching network throughout 2022.

Lauren Morecroft is a level 3 AFL Coach and former AFLW player, the inaugural VAFA women’s coaching academy mentor in 2022 and has 10 years’ experience as a Physical Education teacher. Her coaching experience has included the Eastern Rangers, Carlton FC, North Melbourne FC, Essendon FC, the AFLW National Acedemy and Calder Canons Talent Pathway.

Robert Shaw was the senior coach for the Fitzroy FC between 1991-94, before coaching the Adelaide Crows in 1995-96. Other experience includes St Kevin’s College Toorak Director of Coaching, Tasmanian Football League State Director of Coaching, Essendon FC assistant coach and Fremantle FC General Manager Operations.

Lawrie Woodman was the Coaching Development Manager at the AFL for 16 years until the end of 2017, the High Performance Manager at Athletics Australia, Elite Sports Performance Co-ordinator at the Australian Institute of Sport and Director of the Australian Coaching Council for 13 years. He has also been involved in the AFL as a player or coach with clubs in four states and territories, including Tatura, Seymour, Subiaco, University of WA, Diamond Creek, Queanbeyan, NSW/ACT RAMS and the AIS/AFL Academy.

Clubs can engage a VAFA Coach Developer to support their coaches in 2022 by completing the VAFA Coach Development Program Expression of Interest form.

Once EOI’s have been received, VAFA Club Development Manager, Sean Walker, will coordinate a VAFA Coach Developer to support clubs and its coaches in 2022. The support of VAFA Coach Developers is at no cost to VAFA clubs or coaches.

For any other Coaching support or questions please reach out to Sean Walker.