Dan Lowther takes the helm of Geelong’s AFLW side

FORMER Geelong Cats midfielder Dan Lowther has been appointed as the new coach of the club’s AFLW side.

Lowther played 34 AFL games for the club between 1996 and 2001.

He takes the reins after Geelong’s inaugural AFLW coach Paul Hood stepped away from the role at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Lowther joined the Geelong AFLW coaching group as assistant coach in 2021, working with the midfield group under Hood’s leadership.

The 44-year-old’s connection to the club has also included several roles within the football department.

In 2015 Lowther joined the club as an assistant coach of the VFL men’s side, a role he held until 2018 when he became an AFL analyst, a full-time role he held until 2020.

Lowther returned to full-time primary school teaching in 2021, alongside his role as AFLW assistant coach.

“For me when we start our pre-season it will be about making a few structural changes and subtle differences to allow us to compete in games for longer,” he said.

“I’ll bring energy and enthusiasm; one of my strengths is working with people and relationships. Knowing the group for 12 months already is going to kickstart that aspect.

“Knowing the girls’ strengths and weaknesses already, we will hit the ground running in the areas we need to improve on.”

Geelong’s head of AFLW Brett Johnson said he was looking forward to seeing Lowther lead the group forward.

“It was evident that Dan was the right person to influence the next chapter of our journey on-field, and embrace the opportunities to promote the program and the role it plays in shaping positive outcomes in the community.

“Dan brings a diverse set of skills and experience to the role including a Masters of Education, 15 years of teaching experience, coaching in the talent pathway and various roles at the Cats across both women’s and men’s programs.”

Lowther officially started in the role on July 1.