North Melbourne has finalised its AFLW coaching line-up for the 2026 season, featuring several internal promotions alongside key new appointments.
Stability remains at the core of the program with senior coach Darren Crocker returning for his seventh season at the helm, but the structure around him has evolved to reward the exceptional growth of the club's existing coaching staff.
Leading the internal elevations is Rhys Harwood, who steps into the role of Head of AFLW after serving as senior assistant and head of football performance last season.
Nick Devereux, who was an assistant coach in 2025, also takes a step up, combining his expertise to become the senior assistant coach and head of football performance. Meanwhile, Regan Kerslake transitions from his previous performance role to become the assistant coach for the forward line.
Former AFL player Trent Dumont joins the program as the new midfield assistant coach.
Dumont is a familiar face to Roos fans after playing 113 games for the club between 2014-2021, before finishing his playing career with eight games at Port Adelaide during the 2022 season.
A highly credentialed addition to the panel, Dumont arrives with valuable coaching experience under his belt, having recently served as an assistant coach and consultant at VFL level with Coburg.
Formally the forward line coach, Daniel McKenzie shifts his focus to the defensive group, as the assistant coach for the defenders.
The club also welcomes Tia Mitchell as the football performance analyst, while Alex McKenzie joins the ranks as the VFLW senior coach and player performance coach, as previously announced.
Chris Muratore and Joe Atkinson join as player performance coaches.
North Melbourne general manager of women's football Erin Lorenzini said the club is thrilled to reward its internal talent while injecting fresh perspectives into the program.
"We're incredibly pleased to confirm our coaching group for the 2026 season, and it's particularly exciting to see the progression of people like Rhys, Nick, and Regan into elevated roles within our four walls," Lorenzini said.
"Rewarding internal growth is a testament to the culture we are building here. Bringing Trent and Tia into the mix, alongside Alex's previously announced role in the VFLW space, gives us a fantastic balance of continuity and fresh energy.
"We are confident this panel will continue to lead and support our players, as they look to drive us forward this season."
2026 AFLW coaching panel
Senior coach: Darren Crocker
Head of AFLW: Rhys Harwood
Senior assistant coach and head of football performance: Nick Devereux
Assistant coach (defenders): Daniel McKenzie
Assistant coach (midfield): Trent Dumont
Assistant coach (forwards): Regan Kerslake
Football performance analyst: Tia Mitchell
VFLW senior coach and player performance coach: Alex McKenzie
Player performance coaches: Chris Muratore, Joe Atkinson
