Falcons appoint Heffernan as Girls’ coach for 2025

AN INVALUABLE member of the Geelong Falcons program will be taking on a lead role on and off the field in 2025.

Tash Heffernan has been appointed to the role of Regional Development Coach Girls for next season while Mel Hickey takes 12 months of maternity leave.

Heffernan has been part of the Geelong Falcons program for several years and has strong ties to the community through coaching at St Mary’s and Geelong College.

The incumbent Girls lead was the midfield coach for the women’s program in season 2024.

Geelong Falcons regional talent operations lead Jesse Drever said Heffernan’s attention to detail, calmness and ability to build relationships made her a popular selection for the lead role.

“We have some young prospects and an exciting group coming through next year, which we are really pleased to have Tash lead alongside her coaching staff.

“We had several Vic Country players including Sara Howley, Chloe Bryant, Mekah Morrissy and Stella Huxtable at Falcons in season 2024 and it was fantastic to watch the way Tash would spend time with these players, get to know them, help in their development and build a team dynamic amongst that line.

“Tash also has a real focus on continuing to develop herself and has spent countless hours around Vic Country programs, AFLW, VFLW, our Coates Talent League Boys programs and in connecting with coaches across the local and school communities.

“Her diligence and organisation will be really beneficial for us as a program to continue on the great work done by Mel.”

The club is in the planning stage for the rest of its 2025 coaching and playing list.

“We have seen the continued growth of female football, especially in our region, over several years now, and this was further emphasised with our successful V/Line Cup campaign in Ballarat last week,” Drever said.

“We have some young prospects and an exciting group coming through next year, which we are really pleased to have Tash lead alongside her coaching staff.”

Heffernan will start her new role on November 6.

She and her coaching staff will lead pre-season invitees through a solid preparation training block before Christmas.