The Western Bulldogs have refreshed their VFLW coaching panel ahead of the 2026 VFLW season.

AFLW Head of Development Liam Cavanagh will take the reins as Head Coach, ensuring alignment in game style and coaching philosophy.

He will be supported by incoming Assistant Coaches Andrew Denoon (Forwards), Ben Broadway (Midfield) and Kate Salemme (Backs), with Cheyne Webster coming on board as the Bench Coach.

No stranger to the red, white and blue, Mary Sandral will also act as a playing Development Coach. 

Denoon arrives at the Kennel after most recently serving as Williamstown’s Assistant Strength & Conditioning and Development Coach. Prior to this he spent two years at the Southern Saints. 

This will be Broadway’s first year coaching at VFLW level, having previously coached local juniors in Alexandra while also being involved at Coates League level with the Murray Bushrangers and Eastern Ranges.

Salemme was previously Carlton’s AFLW Recruiter and VFLW Development Coach before crossing to Essendon VFLW as their backline coach.

Webster has close to 15 years’ experience coaching men and women across state-league and national programs, including four years at the Kangaroos as both their Head of Development and first-ever VFLW Head Coach. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew, Ben, Kate and Cheyne to the Kennel and have no doubt they will add plenty to our VFLW program,” Executive Manager Women’s Football Patrice Berthold said.

“We have already seen vast improvement during pre-season training and are confident under Cav’s leadership we will see more progress as the season gets underway.

"As we welcome new faces to the Club, we also recognise the contributions from those who have helped build our program to this point. 

"We’re grateful for the commitment and investment shown along the way and wish those every success moving forward.”

The Bulldogs will start their 2026 VFLW campaign against Casey on Saturday 24 May, after a Round 1 bye.