MITCH Skelly has wasted little time landing himself another plum role after being announced as Port Melbourne's new VFLW coach on Monday.
Skelly, who led Darebin for the past two years before being replaced by Falcons great Kate Tyndall in August, takes the reins of the Borough after their outstanding debut VFLW season under Lachie Harris.
Harris joined St Kilda's AFLW team as an assistant coach last month having put together a 10-5 record at ETU Stadium.
The Falcons (1-12-1) finished on the bottom of the ladder this season as they attempt to rebuild as a competition powerhouse in the AFLW era, and their president Jane Ryan said in August Skelly had done a good job keeping the team together through the two seasons ruined by COVID restrictions.
VFLW TEAM OF THE YEAR Pies dominate, Bomber named captain
Before joining Darebin, Skelly coached the Heidelberg women's team to the Northern league's Division 2 grand final after starting his career in charge of AFL London women's team Wandsworth, leading the Demons to an undefeated premiership in 2018.
He also coached England's international women's team during his time in the Old Dart, taking the Vixens to the final of the 2018 Euro Cup in Ireland.
"The sub-committee followed the same process we used (to appoint) our VFL head coach to ensure we were able to select the person who we felt would be best suited to the Port Melbourne Football Club, and who could hit the ground running and help to continue to build the partnership with Richmond FC AFLW program as well," Borough CEO Paul Malcolm told the club website.
"From the first informal chat, Mitch showed a strong passion for the role and he impressed at each stage of the recruitment process.
"I am more than comfortable that Mitch will provide a program that will build on the foundation that was set this year, and that he will work well with our VFL head coach Adam (Skrobalak) and his team, as well as the Richmond FC coaching group."
Skelly told the Borough website he is all about including everybody in the journey and is looking forward to helping the club take the next step.
"As a coach, I look to create an inclusive team culture which respects and acknowledges the history of the club, the values of individuals within the group and strives to continually improve on field," he said.
"I love the sense of community that is felt being part of a football club and hope to share that joy with those around me.
"The opportunity to work with a talented playing group, continue to build on the relationship with Richmond Football Club and collaborate with Adam and the men’s program is one I am very grateful for, and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season."
Twitter: @BRhodesVFL
