Fremantle’s AFL coaching department is confirmed for season 2024 with the appointment of Andrew Sturgess as a Development Coach.
Sturgess is a highly credentialed coach from Victoria, who most recently held roles in the talent pathways helping mould future AFL players with the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League and Vic Metro’s U18 and U16s talent squads. Prior to this he was Senior Coach at Coburg in the VFL.
“Following a thorough process, we are really excited to welcome Andrew Sturgess to the Freo family,” said Executive General Manager of Football, Joe Brierty.
“He’s a people-focused individual that is driven to get the most out of players to reach their full potential. He has a real growth mindset and will form a key part of our coaching team.”
Sturgess will relocate to Perth before Christmas (with his family to join him in the new year) to fill the role vacated by Adam Read, who was appointed Senior Coach of Peel Thunder (Fremantle’s WAFL aligned Club) earlier this month.
Justin Longmuir heads the men’s coaching panel with assistants Matthew Boyd (defence), Joel Corey (midfield) and Jaymie Graham (forwards).
Tendai Mzungu and Brady Grey remain in place as Development Coaches and will work closely with Sturgess. Harry Garland (stoppages and opposition coach) and Bob Murphy (skills specialist and Head of Leadership) round out the coaching department for 2024.
“With the appointment of Andrew, we’ve now been able to formalise the structure of our coaching department for 2024,” said Brierty.
“With Justin (Longmuir) leading our panel, we are very confident all coaches can deliver the game plan and strategy that’s required - as well as creating an environment where our players feel inspired to perform at their best.
“This is a coaching group that has a significant amount of experience and I’m looking forward seeing them work closely with our players to deliver the success that our Club is driven to achieve.
“We look forward to welcoming Andrew, his wife Bianca and sons Leo and Archer to the Freo family next month.”
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