AFL Victoria congratulates Peta Searle on her new appointment as St Kilda development coach.
Peta has been part of AFL Victoria programs and competitions for a number of years, most recently in the role of AFL Victoria VWFL Academy Head Coach, which she has held since 2012. She had also been involved at TAC Cup level as a development coach with the Western Jets (2011), coached the Victorian representative women’s side (2013) plus was an assistant coach in the VFL with Port Melbourne under Gary Ayres (2012-2013).
Peta also had a long association with the VWFL, being a five time premiership coach with the Darebin Falcons. Her coaching career followed a long and distinguished time as a player in the VWFL competition which saw her represent Victoria seven times, .with All Australian honours on three occasions.
AFL Victoria’s Women’s Football Competitions Manager Darren Flanigan said Peta will now live out her dream to coach in the AFL.
“Peta has developed her coaching over a number of years, and has shown a willingness to learn to improve herself as a coach.
“It is pleasing that we (AFL Victoria) have been able to contribute to Peta’s rise through the ranks and provide opportunities that have helped her advance to the elite level with a role in the AFL.”
Searle is one of only two women to hold a level three coaching accreditation, a level not obtained by most male coaches.
AFL Victoria General Manager Grant Williams said it is great to see that the hard work has paid off for Peta.
“On behalf of AFL Victoria we wish Peta all the best for the new role with St Kilda, and thank her for the contribution she has made to our programs, specifically the VWFL Academy.
“A number of players that have been part of the Academy in recent years have been selected in various representative teams, which highlights how Peta has been able to work with these players on improving their game.”
Summary of Peta Searle football career:
- TAC Western Jets U16 Assistant Coach 2011
- Assistant Coach at Peter Jackson VFL team Port Melbourne 2012 to 2013
- Head Coach AFL Victoria VWFL Academy 2013 & 2014
- Head Coach, Western Bulldogs Womens Team 2013 & 2014
- Assistant Coach at VAFA team St Kevin’s Old Boys 2014
- AFL Football Woman of the Year award nominee 2012
- Head Coach VWFL Women’s State Team 2011 & 2013
- All Australian Coach of the 2011 Women’ National Championships
- Five straight Premierships as head coach of Darebin (VWFL) 2006-2010
Last Modified on 03/06/2014 15:45