Melbourne AFLW coach Mick Stinear has left the club just two days after a heartbreaking preliminary final loss to North Melbourne. Stinear, the Demons' first and only AFLW coach since the competition began 10 years ago, coached 101 games, led multiple finals campaigns, and secured the club's inaugural premiership in Season Seven.
Stinear, a father of two, told AAP at the AFLW Awards on Monday night that it was a sad time but expressed pride in the program's progress. He had previously stated he would take time to consider his future after the 10-point loss to the Kangaroos, emphasizing the need to ensure he was the right person for the demanding role.
Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra praised Stinear's leadership and legacy, noting his critical role in building the program from scratch and achieving sustained success, including a premiership. Guerra wished Stinear and his family well, stating they would always be welcome at Melbourne.
Stinear has been linked to the vacant coaching position at Geelong, which parted ways with Dan Lowther earlier this week. Lowther had coached the Cats since 2021 but missed finals in consecutive seasons. Sydney, led by Scott Gowans, is also searching for a new coach.
