Former Dees coach takes Cats helm

Geelong Football Club has secured a major coup with the appointment of premiership-winning coach Mick Stinear as its new AFLW senior coach.

Stinear brings a wealth of experience from a decade at the helm of Melbourne’s AFLW program, where he led the Demons to their historic first premiership in Season 7 and established them as a perennial contender.

Across 101 games, he guided Melbourne to eight top-four finishes and multiple finals appearances, building one of the most consistent teams in the league.

Cats CEO Steve Hocking said Stinear was the ideal choice to steer the club into the next phase of its women’s program.

“We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Mick as the next AFLW coach of Geelong Football Club,” Hocking said.

“Mick’s extensive experience speaks for itself. He’s had great success at the Dees, building a program from scratch that became one of the top teams in the competition.”

Hocking said Stinear’s strengths in talent development and relationship-building would be key as the Cats look ahead to 2026 and beyond.

Stinear said he was eager to embrace the challenge and continue building on the foundations laid by his predecessors.

“I am excited at the opportunity to build on the foundations that have been laid and to help grow and develop the team as we prepare for Season 11 and beyond,” he said.

“I have great respect for the Geelong Football Club and look forward to building on the work of former coaches Paul Hood and Dan Lowther.”

Stinear also paid tribute to his time at Melbourne, describing it as a privilege to help establish their AFLW team and develop lasting relationships.

He will officially begin his role with Geelong in January.