The Gippsland Power Football Club, competing in the Coates Talent League, has recently celebrated a remarkable success in player recruitment. This success underscores the club’s dedication to nurturing young athletes and providing them with the skills and opportunities to excel at the highest level. Headquartered at the AFL Centre of Excellence in Morwell, the Power program provides a talent pathway for Gippsland footballers with an Under 16s and Under 18s program for both boys and girls.
The 2024 AFL Draft was particularly fruitful for Gippsland Power, with multiple players from their ranks catching the eyes of AFL scouts and coaches. This success is a testament to the club’s robust player development programs and the hard work of not only the players and coaching staff but the community clubs who first helped these kids to love the game.
Taken in the 2024 draft:
Exciting times are almost upon Gippsland again, with generational talent and 2024 Coates League Best and Fairest Ash Centra likely to be selected in the first handful of selections for the AFLW draft.
In line with their commitment to excellence, Gippsland Power has again strengthened their coaching and support staff for the 2025 season. This will no doubt enhance the training environment and provide invaluable mentorship to the young players. The role of coaching and support staff is crucial in maintaining the club’s high standards and supporting the ongoing development of future stars.
Led by Scott McDougal, Regional Talent Lead and Tessa Biney, Admin and Ops Coordinator, the Power also has dedicated Wellbeing Coordinators Mel Bradley (Girl) and David Hobbs (Boys) and Strength and Conditioning gurus Luke Marriot (Boys) and Charlie Stern (Girls) onboard for 2025.
The Boys Head Coach is Rhett McLennan with Line Coaches Hayden Burgiel, Allan Chandler and Craig McCaughan.
The Girls Head Coach is Nathan Boyd with Line Coaches Ben Cunningham, Dean Hendrikse and Alisha Molesworth.
In addition, Gippsland Power utilise a number of satellite coaches providing opportunities for players from right across Gippsland to train at a venue nearer to home than the central base in Morwell.
Boys Satellite Coaches
Maffra: Danny Butcher, Winston Gieschen and Dale Prendergast
Dalyston: Chris Terlich, Kade Maskell, Dean Duursma
Officer: Tim Ferguson and Shane Burgman
Morwell: Tyler Hiller and Darryl Couling
Nilma Darnum: Toby Wallace and Jordan Kingi
Girls Satellite Coaches
Maffra: James Gibbs, Graeme Smith, Britt Tancred and Travis Dillow
Dalyston: Kelly O’Neill, Bianca Helmuth-Pask and Tyson Findlay
Officer: Leah Swain, Tylah Burn, Filiz Lang and Matthew Bailey
Morwell: Michaela Williams
Nilma Darnum: Nicole Cicciari
As part of their preparation for the upcoming season, Gippsland Power has organised comprehensive summer training squads across the Gippsland region. These squads are designed to identify and develop young talent from across all parts of Gippsland. The training sessions focus on improving physical fitness, honing football skills, and fostering teamwork and leadership qualities.
The summer programs are a vital component of Gippsland Power’s strategy to build strong and competitive squads for the 2025 season. They provide an excellent opportunity for young athletes to showcase their abilities and earn a spot in the club’s main squad. Additionally, these sessions help in building a strong connection between the club and the local communities and allow the players to be the best they can be.
Keep up to speed on the latest news through the Gippsland Power Facebook and Instagram.
