The Fitzroy Football Club is thrilled to announce Bronte Ryan as the club's new Fitzroy-ACU Senior Women's coach!

Bronte comes to the Club with a wealth of experience, most recently as the Senior Assistant Coach and Backline Coach for the North Melbourne Football Club in the VFLW, a role she's held since 2018.

Prior to North, Bronte built her coaching experience in WA as a forwards coach with Claremont Womens Football Club from 2016 2018 and Assistant Coach midfield and forwards, Claremont Football Club Under 16s Development Squad in 2018 with their mens team.

She was also the Senior Assistant Coach Youth Girls at Claremont Womens Football Club from 2017 - 2018, Female State Under 18s Assistant Coach for Western Australia in 2016 and a Western Australia Talent Academy Coach Under 18s from 2014 2016.

This is a historic coaching appointment for our Club. Bronte becomes the first woman to take on the role as a Senior coach at Fitzroy in our Club's history, building on the previous coaching positions held by women at our Club in Jo Hogan, former Reserves Women's coach and Mel Storey, former Assistant U19 coach.

Club President Joan Eddy was beyond thrilled to welcome Bronte to the Roys and see the progression of more women as coaches at Fitzroy.

"It's such a historic moment for our Club to appoint Bronte as our Senior Fitzroy-ACU Women's coach. We're very excited to have someone with her level of experience be part of our community and add to our Club's proud history."

Speaking about what attracted Bronte to the Roys, The new coach referenced our strong connection to the Junior Club and commitment to producing pathways as a big factor.

"The biggest attraction to Fitzroy was the opportunity to join a well renowned community club with great culture. The complete pathway in partnership with the Junior Club from Auskick to senior football for female players was another big factor, the development of the female game is something I am very passionate about so it was really important to align myself with a club that feels the same way."

Bronte is keen to get to work with the group, and back to the game she loves after a disrupted year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The disruptions, although disheartening, have made me appreciate the game that much more. For me it has also been a great opportunity to take stock of what I want to achieve as a coach in 2021 and beyond. Im more motivated than ever to help players achieve their goals through football, that might be simply getting onto the park to have a kick and meet some new people, or it might be a pathway to the next level. My coaching philosophy has always been focused on players getting the most out of themselves and enjoying that process.

So, if this year has taught me anything it would have to be just to take every moment as it comes, there will always be a place for planning and setting expectations but its important not to sweat the small stuff thats outside of our control."

When asked how keen she is is to get started, Bronte's excitement and enthusiasm is off the charts.

"On a scale of 1-10 ,Im somewhere past 12 at this point! For me, the planning started when the phone call ended, Im grateful to be given the opportunity and trust to lead the team into the new year and cant wait to meet everyone."

And we can't wait for our Fitzroy community to meet Bronte when we can get back to the footy.

Welcome to the Roys Bronte!