AFLW coaching panel finalised

GEELONG has added two new faces to their assistant coaching ranks for this year’s AFLW season.

Two-time premiership assistant coach Ryan Pendlebury and former Cats AFL player Sam Simpson will join the club for the incumbent campaign.

The trio will all serve under new head coach Mick Stinear, who was announced into the top job in December.

Pendlebury joins the Cats after a successful two years with North Melbourne who went undefeated and claimed back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025.

Also proving to be a handy player himself, Pendlebury won a premiership with Geelong Football League side St Mary’s this past September.

Sam Simpson returns to the club after spending seven years on the AFL list between 2017 and 2023.

The son of former Cat Sean, Sam was selected under the father-son rule in the 2017 AFL National Draft.

Across his time with the Cats, he played 25 games, including the 2020 Grand Final loss to Richmond.

After finishing up with Geelong at the end of 2023, Simpson headed West and has spent two seasons with Perth in the WAFL.

Geelong Cats general manager of AFLW, Dom Condo, said the breadth of experience across the coaching panel will be a key strength in 2026.

“This group brings a really broad mix of experiences across elite premiership environments, player development and an understanding of our club.

“Ryan’s recent success at AFLW level, Sam’s connection to Geelong and experience across multiple competitions, and Elise’s ongoing contribution to our program gives us a well-rounded coaching group. Combine this with Mick’s leadership, and it provides a strong platform for our AFLW program as we prepare for the 2026 season.”