Melbourne Demons AFLW senior coach, Mick Stinear has been crowned by his peers as the 2022 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year.
Stinear who joined the Demons as their inaugural senior coach in 2017 will this weekend chalk up a number of milestones when he leads the Demons into their first AFLW Grand Final appearance whilst coaching his 50th AFLW match.
In the last six seasons under Stinear, the Demons have been one of the most consistent teams, having won the second-most games in AFLW history, claiming victory in 36 matches.
Stinear took out the award ahead of fellow Grand Final coach Matthew Clarke, with a tie for third between last year’s AFLW Senior Coach of the Year, Craig Starcevich and Gold Coast Suns first year coach Cameron Joyce.
Watch Daisy Pearce's emotional announcement to Mick below.
Deemed to be the best performed senior coach throughout the 2022 AFLW season, up to and including the preliminary final, Stinear was voted the winner, having regard for his current season's performance, available resources, player talent and team management.
AFL Coaches Association CEO, Alistair Nicholson, congratulated Stinear on the Award and his 2022 coaching performances.
“It’s clear that Mick has been creating a wonderful culture and environment at the Demons over the last six years, that combined with his coaching performances this season have not only resulted in the Demons first Grand Final appearance this weekend, but also in being recognised by his fellow AFLW Coaches as the 2022 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year,” Nicholson said.
“From all at the AFLCA we congratulate Mick on his season and winning this Award.”
Stinear was honoured to be recognised by his peers.
“I’m very humbled to be recognised as the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Coach of the Year.
“I see this as a reflection of our whole program, and the relationships the players, coaches and staff have built across the past six years,” Stinear said.
“I love and appreciate this group so much, and I’m very grateful for what I get to do on a daily basis.”
Demons Captain, Daisy Pearce made an emotional announcement to Mick that he won the Award.
“We’ve always known that Mick is the coach of the year. Since day dot, he has just been the best coach for us. I speak on behalf of the group when I say that we are just so grateful for what we have in Mick.” Pearce said.
