With the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos’ second pre-season set to start in a matter of weeks, a number of new staff have been locked in.

Senior coach Scott Gowans will be supported by Brett Gourley (forwards coach), Nick Rutley (defence coach), and Jamieson Smalley (assistant coach Tasmania).

Rutley joins after coaching stints at Carlton AFLW and Dandenong Stingrays, while Gourley comes from Calder Cannons and the under 18 Vic Metro boys program.

Lauren Morecroft will return as midfield coach, having spent the past six months alongside Gowans with Melbourne University’s VFLW team.

Dean Rice will also be back for a second year, supporting Gowans and the broader coaching group as AFLW coaching consultant.

Cheyne Webster joins the coaching team in a newly created role ‘IDP coordinator’. Webster has spent a season as an assistant coach in the VFLW, and will focus on individual development of each player on the AFLW list.