Champions of Change
The champions of change are women and girls from around Australia that are shaping the future of community coaching. As leaders, advocates, and innovators, they are driving meaningful change and redefining the coaching experience for all.
Tiffany Ferguson-Blight
AFL coach Tiffany Ferguson-Blight uses a strengths-based approach to help young women recognise their abilities, build confidence, and thrive both on and off the field. Drawing on her own experiences as an athlete, she fosters supportive, inclusive environments and believes growth comes when both players and coaches learn, adapt and improve together.
Building confidence from the ground up: coaching girls in sport.
For AFL Coach Tiffany Ferguson-Blight, coaching isn’t just about developing skills on the field – it’s about helping young women discover their strengths, build lasting confidence, and thrive both on and off the field.
Tiffany also values learning from her players, adapting her communication and game strategies to suit different experience levels and age groups. She actively invites feedback, believing that improvement should be a two-way street: “The program doesn’t get better just because the players get better. The program gets better because everyone gets better.”
For Tiffany, the reward is seeing players grow both on and off the field. “I love watching girls discover they can do something they never thought they could. That confidence doesn’t just stay on the field – it stays with them for life.”
Cass Scott, Payneham Norwood Union, SA
"In 2022 I stopped playing, but still wanted to continue my journey with football and give back to community. Over the years I’ve had so many amazing moments – from coaching my daughter and getting to experience the excitement with the players when we made the 2024 Grand Final. Another highlight has been showcasing the up-and-coming talent in our club. Seeing young players rise to the occasion, demonstrating their potential and dedication, was inspiring. These moments reminded me why I love coaching – it's about nurturing talent, fostering growth, and celebrating the achievements of each player.
I once had someone tell me that coaching comes in all forms, whether you’re the runner, team manager, line coach, water runner each of these play an important role and are great ways to start your coaching journey. Never be afraid to ask where you can help."
Nicola Biagi, Tanunda Football Club, SA
"Having played football for the last 7 years at a state level, I noticed the lack of female representation in coaching and felt there needed to be a better balance.
I went into coaching wanting to improve the culture and communication between coach and athletes. I’ve a lot learnt from the multiple different coaches I’ve had over the years and how differently coaches treat their athletes. Good coaches get the best out of their players, give their players belief/confidence, create a safe environment, have good communication and ensure it’s about the team/players improvement.
The best moment of my coaching has been seeing the players take what we do at training and implementing it in a game – then winning the game. So many players at Tanunda this year have improved out of sight since they started, and I can see their confidence improve. There is no better feeling than seeing girls/women love their footy and constantly improving.
Coaching is the most rewarding thing you’ll do. My advice is though, get to know your athletes as they’ll need different things from you as a coach. Make sure you communicate with all your team and have the tough (but loving) conversations. And don’t overload the players with information especially if they’re new to football– small incremental steps in terms of skill building and team strategy."
Narelle Davis, Box Hill Hawks, VIC
"After being offered a Development coaching role earlier in the year, an Assistant Coach role opened up for me at the Box Hill Hawks.
It feels surreal, as I nearly gave up coaching two years ago. However, after attending the AFL Women's Coaching Workshops and networking with other like-minded women, it gave me the confidence to move forward and look for other opportunities, firstly through Oakleigh Chargers and now Box Hill Hawks.
The guidance and mentorship I have received through both of these elite clubs, along with the support of the AFL Women's programs, the players, and my family and friends, are what drive me to be a better coach. The female ‘imposter syndrome’ is real in women's footy, so it's important to have those open conversations with your trusted male and female mentors.
At times, I've struggled to voice my opinion because I've been too scared of the male response, but the environment, culture and support at Box Hill Hawks has given me the confidence to be my true self, and I feel valued there."