The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have finalised their coaching ranks, with a number of additions ahead of the 2021 season.

Brad Murphy has been appointed as Assistant Coach (Midfield) to further support the club’s new AFLW Senior Coach, Darren Crocker.            

Murphy is no stranger to elite football, having been drafted by the Western Bulldogs in 2002. Upon retiring he moved into coaching which has since seen successful stints as Assistant Coach at the Calder Cannons, as well as senior coaching experience at Melton and St Albans.

Natasha Hardy has been appointed as AFLW Development Coach and VFLW Assistant Coach, bringing experience as both a player and coach in women’s football. 

Hardy was vice-captain of Essendon’s VFLW team in 2018, before joining the coaching panel as VFLW Stoppage Coach. 

Previously, Hardy coached the Sunbury Lions in the Eastern District Football League (EDFL) and is currently involved in the ‘She Can Coach’ program, which develops the next wave of elite female coaches.  

Meanwhile, Rhys Harwood will assume the position of Assistant Coach (Defence), in conjunction with his current AFLW/VFLW list & football performance role.

Crocker said he was thrilled by the new appointments. 

“It’s just fantastic to be able to bring in some fresh new faces,” he said. 

“Providing opportunities for female coaches to come into our AFLW program, to develop and grow from within our system is really exciting and something we are really passionate about.

“Something that's impressed me about our AFLW program from its inception has been the priority to provide the best resources we can to help support our players.

“The amount of stability through our playing group and staffing, along with the talent we have attracted to the club is testament to our strong program. We couldn’t be more excited about the upcoming AFLW season.”