Completing a historic week for the Bombers’ AFLW Program, the Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce Natalie Wood’s appointment as its inaugural AFLW senior coach.

The Bombers have secured the services of the experienced Wood who will lead the club into its first season in the national women’s competition.

Wood joins the club from the Western Bulldogs where she has spent the past two years as an assistant midfield AFLW coach. Prior to her move to Whitten Oval, Wood gained experience in Geelong’s women's program for four years as an AFLW midfield coach and VFLW head coach.

Wood also has coaching success at an underage level, having been an assistant coach in the AFLW Under-18 All Stars match in 2017. She also served as an assistant coach with Vic Country in the AFL Women’s Under-18 National Championships in 2018.

Prior to Wood turning her attention to coaching, she had an accomplished 17-year football career as a player.

Across her 197 games, which were spread across the Darebin Falcons and Melbourne University, Wood won five premierships, was a 10-time state representative and three-time All-Australian.

Wood also played for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL’s women’s exhibitions matches in 2013 and 2014.

Bringing a well-rounded perspective to the role, away from football Wood has a strong passion for education, highlighted by her 15 years of secondary school teaching, including time as an assistant principal in the secondary school system.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the club was delighted to welcome Wood to the Bombers as the club’s inaugural AFLW coach.

“Natalie was the standout candidate throughout this process with her vast experience and passion for the game and educating players, and we’re thrilled to make this significant appointment,” Campbell said.

“Natalie has an extensive career as a teacher, player and coach and is a fantastic character to lead the club towards and during our first AFLW season.

“Natalie’s football and leadership knowledge made her the most suitable candidate for the role. She is highly respected throughout women’s football and we are extremely excited to welcome someone of her quality to the club.”

Wood said she was honoured be named as the Essendon Football Club’s inaugural AFLW senior coach.

“I am extremely proud to join the Essendon family and very grateful to have the opportunity to lead Essendon’s inaugural AFLW side,” Wood said.

“The club has developed a very strong women’s program and culture since their introduction to the VFLW and I look forward to continuing the development of women’s football at Essendon.”

“To be joining the red and black family, and a club like Essendon with its rich history, is a true privilege.”