Essendon is delighted to announce that AFLW Senior Coach Natalie Wood has penned a two-year extension to remain at the helm until at least the end of 2026.

In a historic step for women’s football, the deal will see Wood become the first woman to coach more than four AFLW seasons, and in 2024, alongside Port Adelaide’s Lauren Arnell, the pair will become the first females to coach more than two years consecutively.

Wood was appointed senior coach ahead of Essendon’s inaugural AFLW season and led the side to a finals berth in the side’s second year.

At the helm for 21 games so far, Wood has built the foundations for Essendon’s AFLW team and continues striving for excellence in every aspect of the program.

Wood said she was proud to continue leading the side for at least the next three seasons.

“I feel really proud to have had this position from the start and to have the growth we have had in two years. To be given the privilege to go forward for another three seasons is fantastic. To oversee and continue building the foundational steps makes me really excited to see where we take that over the next three years,” Wood said.

“You always want to be in a hurry, but we have had to respect that building connection, culture and purpose within a group takes time. What we have been able to build over the past two years has shaped our foundations, and now we can get stuck in our purpose, what we want to be known for, and the type of football we want to play.

“We always have to be growing as coaches, and if I look back on the first year and how quickly that came about, I’ve definitely learnt a lot of things along that journey, including the importance of relationships throughout the club and community we represent. We continually focus on growing on and off the field, so I look forward to taking steps forward in 2023 and beyond.”

Wood will lead an experienced group of coaches in 2024, with Natasha Hardy leading the backline, Bernard Shepard overseeing the forwards, and Paul Groves taking charge of the midfield. Cherie O’Neil and Christina Bernadi will support as development coaches, and Anna Schwager will join the club as a part-time ruck coach.

Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said Wood has been a fantastic leader over her first two years and looks forward to where she can take the team over the coming seasons.

“Ever since she first walked into the NEC Hangar, Natalie has impressed with her football knowledge and ability to bring everyone along on the journey, so we are thrilled to have her continue to lead our AFLW program until at least 2026,” Vozzo said.

“Natalie has created an environment where players and coaches are all pushing for excellence and are focused on continually bettering themselves, both on and off-field. This allows our players to push the boundaries and work hard, knowing they have the coaching group and club behind them.

“To make finals in their second year was an outstanding result for our AFLW side, but we all know Natalie and the players are not satisfied with that. They have worked extremely hard throughout the off and pre-season and we look forward to supporting them achieve their goals in 2024 and beyond.”

Wood and the AFLW Bombers will start their 2024 campaign on Saturday, August 31, at Windy Hill when the side takes on Fremantle from 3:05pm.

Fans are encouraged to head to this link to purchase their memberships and tickets for the 2024 AFLW season, with Essendon’s opening match at Windy Hill only weeks away!