A senior coach says the AFL’s groundbreaking appointment of Laura Kane as head of soccer operations reveals the league has adopted a “real merit-based” hiring course of.
Kane was formally unveiled because the AFL’s new govt basic supervisor of soccer on Monday, turning into the primary lady to carry the submit.
The former North Melbourne administrator had acted because the AFL’s soccer boss since final yr when Brad Scott departed the function to teach Essendon.
Kane’s appointment makes her one of the crucial necessary determination makers on soccer issues within the recreation, with outgoing Essendon soccer boss Josh Mahoney additionally becoming a member of the AFL to report back to Kane as basic supervisor of soccer operations.
Bombers AFLW coach Natalie Wood stated Kane’s appointment was an necessary second for girls in soccer.
“What you’re starting to see are real, legitimate options for people – if you’re good at what you do, there’s opportunities for you on the football field and off the football field,” Wood stated.
“To start to see more women in roles and really important roles, it shows that it’s started to become a real merit-based process and doesn’t matter what your gender is – if you’ve got the right skill set, then all doors are open.
“Laura’s such a great operator, she’s built a terrific reputation through the work that she does. I’m really happy for her and happy for what lies ahead.”
Incoming AFL chief govt Andrew Dillon, who will exchange Gillon McLachlan on the finish of the season, stated Kane’s robust understanding of the golf equipment and wonderful efficiency within the interim function had made her the standout selection for the place.
“This AFL season has continued throw up a diverse mix of challenges at our competition and Laura has led the football department team brilliantly in what has been a record year for our game,” Dillon stated.
“Laura’s experience, expertise, temperament and resilience, paired with building a team of additional key football talent, is the right mix to lead the football department.
“As someone who was involved in both the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of an AFL men’s program and also a key part of North Melbourne’s successful bid for an AFLW team, Laura has brought to the AFL a keen sense of club experience and knowledge of the impact of AFL decisions.”
Officials tried to lure Richmond chief govt Brendon Gale to headquarters however have backed Kane, who has impressed in her roles since becoming a member of the AFL in November 2021 accountable for competitors administration.
Kane’s appointment provides to the rising record of ladies holding key positions across the league, with three feminine presidents at AFL golf equipment in addition to Jen Watt being North Melbourne chief govt.
Kylie Rogers, Sarah Fair and Tanya Hosch are additionally on the AFL govt.
Kane’s portfolio will embrace all conventional soccer operations, competitors administration throughout the AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW, umpiring, recreation evaluation, participant motion, expertise pathways and psychological well being and wellbeing.
Originally printed as ‘Gender doesn’t matter’: Laura Kane’s appointment to AFL govt celebrated
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
