RETIRED AFLW stalwart Alison Downie has taken her first steps into the coaching ranks, joining St Kilda as a specialist talls coach.
The 38-year-old hung up the boots ahead of this year's trade period following 59 AFLW games over her seven cumulative seasons at Carlton and Collingwood.
She nominated for the draft on the outside chance a club would need a ruck as an injury replacement player (the nomination is a pre-requisite), but now looks to be permanently on the sidelines.
An inaugural AFLW player, Downie also had a long and decorated WNBL career prior to the commencement of the League, winning three championships over her 17 years playing basketball with Dandenong Rangers.
Assistant coaches Dale Robinson and Lachlan Harris have remained with the club, swapping line duties, meaning the former will look after the forwards and the latter with the midfield.
Long-term backline coach Dave Carden has taken a step back for family commitments, remaining at the club in a specialist defensive coaching role while new face Andrew Fisher (senior coach under-15 Victorian girls, under-15 Saints girls NGA) will take on the backline assistant role.
The Saints also confirmed Anthony Tang will now add AFLW list and recruiting management to his existing performance analyst role.
"We're delighted to welcome Alison and Andrew to our coaching ranks for 2023," St Kilda head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.
"Both come to St Kilda with extensive knowledge and experience, and we look forward to our players absorbing their expertise throughout this season and beyond.
"Alison's recent playing experience will be invaluable and will translate well into her new role, as will Andrew's time in the development coaching ranks which will greatly benefit our young players."
