Stephanie Binder has been named the 2024 AFLW season’s backline coach by Hawthorn. Binder has worked as a development coach for Collingwood’s AFLW club most recently, and she has extensive experience in a range of programs. She had previously played in the league with the Southern Saints, and she had spent two seasons as Senior Coach of North Melbourne’s VFLW team. As an assistant coach for the Vic Country and Dandenong Stingrays Under-19 teams, Binder has also been instrumental in guiding the next wave of AFLW talent.
After developing a strong relationship with them at the Under-19 level, she will now reconnect with the Stingrays/Vic Country trio of Mackenzie Eardley, Mikayla Williamson, and Sophie Butterworth at the Hawks. Max Bailey, the general manager of football operations at Hawthorn, expressed his happiness at Binder’s appointment to the coaching staff. Bailey stated, “We’re thrilled to have Steph join the Hawks for the upcoming season.” Her extensive coaching background at the national, state, and Under-19 levels makes her a significant asset to our revamped coaching staff under Daniel Webster’s direction. “She has an amazing résumé and some fantastic ideas about playing an exciting brand of football, which we think is a terrific fit for our talented backline.
In addition, we think Steph is a really passionate and animated individual who will encourage and inspire our team to reach their full potential. “We also bid farewell to Ben Cavarra, who has returned to his role as a teacher and Box Hill player for 2024, by appointing Steph.” Monday, June 3rd marks the start of Hawthorn’s AFLW preseason. The season is scheduled to start in the last week of August.