The AFL has welcomed Western Bulldogs Executive Manager of Women’s Football Patrice Berthold and Fremantle senior coach Lisa Webb to the AFLW competition committee ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.

An experienced sports administrator and former state cricketer, Berthold has overseen the Western Bulldogs’ AFLW program since early 2024.

Webb was appointed Fremantle senior coach ahead of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season after earlier stints at the club as both a player and assistant coach.

AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations Laura Kane welcomed Berthold and Webb.

"We're pleased to welcome Patrice and Lisa to the AFLW competition committee,” Kane said.

“Both bring strong experience from across the game and will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to grow and strengthen the AFLW competition.

“The committee plays an important role in helping shape the future of AFLW, and we look forward to the insight and expertise Patrice and Lisa will contribute.”

The AFLW competition committee met earlier this week and covered key topics, including the upcoming season, AFLW talent concessions, the AFLPA’s recently released Insights and Impact Report and ways to continue to grow the game.

The committee will meet again next in October.

The Bulldogs will kick off their 2026 AFLW campaign on Saturday 15 August against Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

AFLW Competition Committee:

  • Simone Wilkie AO, AFL Commissioner (Chair)
  • Laura Kane, AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations
  • Emma Moore, AFL General Manager of AFLW Growth
  • Trish Squires, AFL Head of AFLW Operations
  • Barry Carp, Collingwood president
  • Jan Cooper OAM, West Coast Eagles board member
  • Patrice Berthold, Western Bulldogs Executive Manager of Women’s Football (NEW)
  • Erin Lorenzini, North Melbourne General Manager of Strategy and Women’s Football 
  • Kate Mahony, Sydney Swans Executive General Manager of AFLW
  • Kath McCann, Tasmania General Manager of Marketing, Public Affairs and Social Impact
  • Craig Starcevich, Brisbane Lions senior coach
  • Lisa Webb, Fremantle senior coach (NEW)
  • Julia Chiera, AFL Players’ Association Head of AFLW
  • Jordyn Pearson, AFL and AFLW field umpire
  • Gemma Houghton, Port Adelaide player
  • Hannah Priest, St Kilda player