Leading the Way: Celebrating Our Female Coaches this AFLW Coaching Month

July is AFL Women’s Coaching Month — a national celebration of the women who are not just playing the game, but coaching it, shaping it, and leading it forward. Here at Claremont, we’re proud to say that women are at the heart of our coaching programs. In fact, we currently have an incredible 15 women involved in coaching roles across all levels of the Club — including 12 current players.

These women are taking their passion for the game beyond the field and into leadership roles. Among them is Kate Orme, who not only coaches our WAFLW midfield group but also leads the WA State U16s team as Head Coach. Claire Ortlepp, a key part of our WAFLW defensive line, is also coaching the backs and is currently undertaking her Level 3 coaching accreditation. Jayme Harken leads our Female Development Squad (FDS) program and is also completing her Level 3 course. Tildi Sergeant contributes at state level as the backs coach for the WA U18s team, bringing her game-day insight to the next generation of talent.

Kate Orme

Matilda Sergeant

Claire Ortlepp

Jayme Harken

Our players are also heavily involved at junior level. Bridie Garlick is coaching the Cottesloe JFC Year 7/8s and also supports our FDS program as an assistant. Sarah Viney has taken on coaching duties with the Scarborough/Wembley JFC Year 11/12s, while both May Nicholson and Emma Henderson are coaching the Year 9/10s at Claremont Junior Football Club. Within our FDS program, we’re supported by Mia Jackson, Georgia Webb, Mackenzie Webb and Evie Edwards — all current players sharing their knowledge and experience as assistant coaches.

Beyond our playing group, we are fortunate to have some outstanding female coaches as part of the broader coaching team. Fremantle AFLW player Laura Pugh brings elite-level experience to her role as an assistant coach with our WAFLW program. Charmaine Rogers and Jasmine Cookson are both playing a key role in developing young talent as assistant coaches within our Rogers Cup team.

Charmaine Rogers

Jasmine Cookson

This level of involvement isn’t just impressive — it’s inspiring. To have so many women, particularly current players, actively coaching within one club speaks volumes about the culture we are building at Claremont. These women are not only developing their leadership and tactical knowledge, they are actively shaping the future of football — from grassroots to state-level representation.

As AFLW Coaching Month continues, we want to take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible work these women are doing. Their commitment, energy, and leadership are felt across every level of the Club. Claremont is proud to be a place where women are empowered to lead, and we can’t wait to see how many more followin their footsteps.