Back Row (From Left): Ben Friggi, Callum Brown, Malcolm Bangs, Erin Meade. Front Row (From Left): Andrew Killingsworth, Peter Mercoulia, Tam Hyett, Toby McLean.

The Western Bulldogs have added Callum Brown and Erin Meade to their AFLW coaching panel ahead of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season.

Brown will take charge of the backline, while Meade will commence as a Development Coach. 

The pair are no strangers to football, with Brown having played 70 AFL games across a six-year career at Collingwood. 

He is the son of former Magpies captain Gavin, while his sister Tarni is currently on Carlton’s AFLW list. 

Meade joins the Kennel following a seven-year career with Williamstown VFLW, where she holds the record as the longest-serving player. 

The 28-year-old retired from playing at the end of last year.

She is also engaged to 166-gamer and Bulldogs life member Bailey Dale.

“We’re really thrilled to have two seasoned footballers in Cal and Erin join our program,” head coach Tam Hyett said.

“Their work ethic and dedication are second to none, as demonstrated by their playing careers, while their care and insight will complement our coaching mix perfectly.

“We’re building something special at the Kennel and are really excited to have them join us on this journey.”

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The remainder of the coaching structure has also shuffled slightly, with Andrew Killingsworth (previously specialist coach) stepping up as the forwards coach. 

Killingsworth spent six years coaching St Kilda’s Under 15s Next Generation Academy and was also a specialist coach at Casey Demons in 2023.

“‘Killer’ started with us on the eve of the 2024 season as a specialist ruck coach and made an immediate impact,” Hyett said. 

“To now have him looking after the entire forward group is a testament to himself, and we have no doubt he will do so with the same passion that’s earned him this opportunity.”

Ben Friggi (previously forwards coach) has moved into a development coaching role to help manage existing work commitments.

AFL assistant coach Brendon Lade will again support the program as Director of Coaching, while 2016 Premiership player Toby McLean will continue as midfield coach.

2025 AFLW coaching panel

Head coach: Tam Hyett
Director of Coaching: Brendon Lade

Backline coach: Callum Brown
Forwards coach: Andrew Killingsworth
Midfield coach: Toby McLean
Strategy coach: Peter Mercoulia
Specialist coach: Malcolm Bangs
Development coach: Ben Friggi
Development coach: Erin Meade