The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos are pleased to welcome Stanley Black & Decker on board as an official AFLW and Freestyle – Women in Trades Program partner.

Stanley Black & Decker is the world's largest tool company, operating 150 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Guided by its purpose – for those who make the world – it produces innovative, award-winning power tools, hand tools, storage, digital tool solutions, lifestyle products, outdoor products, engineered fasteners and other industrial equipment to support the world's makers, creators, tradespeople and builders.

The company's iconic brands include DEWALT®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, SIDCHROME®, LENOX® and IRWIN® Recognized for its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG), Stanley Black & Decker strives to be a force for good in support of its communities, employees and customers and this ethos is a great fit with the Kangaroos values. 

The inaugural premium partner for the club’s new and exciting Freestyle – Women in Trades program, Stanley Black & Decker will support the club's AFLW and VFLW programs.

The partnership focuses on encouraging discussion and changing perceptions of women on the football field and on the job site.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stanley Black & Decker to the Kangaroos family, with wonderful values alignment complementary to ours, the partnership is a great fit,” North Melbourne Chief Commercial Officer Sam Bingley said.

“The Freestyle - Women in Trades program is a gamechanger and uses football as a vehicle to help attract, retain, nurture and elevate women and non-binary people who are interested in pursuing a skilled trade or apprenticeship.  

“Stanley Black & Decker’s brands such as DEWALT, STANLEY, IRWIN & SIDCHROME are perfect partners for all tradies out there and we are excited to have them on board as our partner to roll out this wonderful program.”

Stanley Black & Decker ANZ Managing Director Adrian Davis said the company is proud to align with such an innovative program.

“We are proud to be an inaugural partner in the Freestyle Program which aligns with our global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy of building thriving, inclusive workplaces,” Davis said.

“As a leader in our industry, and an advocate for diversity, we can promote and help build pathways for young women and non-binary people to find out more about apprenticeships and trade opportunities and be there with the tools they need, whatever the trade they decide.”