Williamstown has secured an AFLW premiership coach as its coach for the next two seasons in the Victorian Football League women’s competition.
Former Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves joins the Seagulls and will lead the group forward as it aims to breakthrough for that first premiership.
Groves joins the Seagulls with an impressive coaching resume spanning more than 13 years across elite women’s and men’s football.
Most recently, he has served as an Essendon AFLW Assistant coach, marking his return to the national competition after a successful tenure leading the Western Bulldogs AFLW team from 2017 to 2019.
He guided the Bulldogs to a historic AFLW Premiership in 2018, having been appointed as the inaugural senior coach in 2016.
Groves’ coaching journey began in 2011 with the AFL Victoria Youth Girls Development Program, before taking charge of the Vic Metro side that went on to claim the national championship in 2013.
His development as a coach was further shaped by time under Dale Tapping and Justin Plapp at the Sandringham Dragons, before moving into roles with the Calder Cannons and Monash Blues in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association.
In 2015, Groves led the Victorian VAFA state women’s team to victory against the Perth Football League, adding to his impressive resume in senior women’s football.
Williamstown chief executive Paul Northey said Groves’ appointment marks an important milestone for the club’s women’s program.
The club said It also reflects its ambition to build strong, unified, and successful programs across both the VFL and VFLW.
“Paul’s track record speaks for itself. To have someone of his calibre and experience leading our VFLW program is a huge win for the club,” Northey said.
“He’s coached at the highest level, developed elite talent, and understands the pathways that drive success in women’s football.”
