Geelong faces Stinear's former side Melbourne in AFLW qualifying final
AFLW qualifying final pits Geelong coach Mick Stinear against the Melbourne Demons he led for ten years before moving for health reasons.
Geelong coach Mick Stinear will face his former club Melbourne in Saturday's AFLW qualifying final at Ikon Park. It's his first time against Melbourne since switching to the Cats this year.
Stinear spent a decade leading Melbourne to a premiership and a Grand Final appearance. Exhaustion from a 90-minute drive each way to training made him leave.
Mick Stinear joined Geelong on a three-year deal for a much shorter commute and better work-life balance. He also brought his creative coaching methods with him.
Melbourne has a new head coach in Tom Wilson in his first senior coaching role. Stinear said there would be some good banter with his old club but emphasised Geelong's evolution over pre-season and regular rounds.
- 10 seasons
- Years at Melbourne
- 90 minutes one way
- Daily commute
- Three-year deal
- Geelong contract
- Ikon Park
- Venue
Why it mattersA coach moving directly between competing clubs is rare in AFL/W, making this matchup a talking point for how it shapes both teams' finals campaigns.
AustraliaThis qualifying final is a crucial game for Victoria's AFLW teams, with the winner advancing while the loser faces an elimination final.
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