Western Bulldogs co-captain Deanna Berry has been awarded the 2026 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Scholarship.

Having played 67 AFLW games to date, the 2018 Premiership player has also built an impressive coaching resumé away from the game. 

Berry made history last year as the first active AFLW captain to coach a senior men’s team, serving as interim head coach of the Panton Hill Redbacks for the final three games of their 2025 season.

Previously she spent 88 games as the Redbacks assistant coach and since 2023 has been an assistant coach for the Northern Knights Under 16s team while also delivering junior skill development programs.

Photo: AFL Photos

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this scholarship from the AFL Coaches Association as coaching is something I’ve become really passionate about,” Berry said.

“Alongside my playing career, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience in a range of coaching settings, each of which have taught me something new about leadership and helping others perform at their best.

“I’m always looking for ways to learn, grow and challenge myself, and I have no doubt this scholarship will provide valuable opportunities to continue developing my coaching skills.
 
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported my coaching journey so far and look forward to making the most of this opportunity.”
 

As part of the scholarship, Berry will head to the United States on a study tour early next year, engaging with college and professional coaches in leading programs across a variety of sports. 

The AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Scholarship was launched at the start of 2019 to support ambitions of AFLW players and fast-track their development to coach at the highest level.