By Jazz Bennett
The Dandenong Stingrays have confirmed their coaching line-up for both boys’ and girls’ programs for season 2024.
Nick Cox will continue as head coach of the boys’ program, entering his fifth season at the helm. Returning assistant coaches Jon Mole and Marty Bonett have swapped ends of the field to the backline and forward line respectively, while Leigh Stewart will remain in the midfield.
Development coaches Jesse Coghlan, Scott Morrison, and Darren Roe will also return, along with specialist coaches Craig Lineham and Craig Watson.
Hawthorn AFLW player and former Stingrays co-captain Mackenzie Eardley will join the boys’ coaching line-up as head coach of the under-16s program. In 2023, Eardley served as development coach with the girls’ program, but has moved across to the boys to continue her coaching development under her former Stingrays head coach in Cox. She will also serve as a development coach with the under-18s program until she is recalled to her AFLW duties.
Joining Eardley in the under-16s program is former Eastern Ranges player Jack Pruden, who will serve as an assistant coach alongside Coghlan and Morrison.
After coaching the girls to the preliminary finals in his first season as head coach, Josh Moore will return hoping to go even further in 2024. Also returning is midfield coach Jason Patten, as well as forwards coach Tori De Groot, who has been elevated to the role since coming on board as development coach in season 2023. De Groot will also work closely with the under-16s girls.
The club is also pleased to welcome Leah Olsen to the fold, who has come across from Southern Saints VFLW to serve as our new backline coach.
Cristy Marsh and Richmond AFLW player Charley Ryan will return as development coaches, and will be joined by former Stingray Hayley Monk. Sean Chamberlain will return as specialist coach, along with newcomers Alice Allet and Collingwood AFLW player Jordyn Allen.
Dandenong Southern Stingrays 