The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have bolstered their off-field team appointing highly regarded premiership player Lauren Spark as Player Development Coordinator.

Spark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program, having recently retired from AFLW after five years with the Western Bulldogs. The role will see her work closely with players, as well as the coaching and welfare teams.

A member of the Dogs’ 2018 Premiership side, Spark was nominated for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in 2020 and has been an ambassador of the Daughters of the West Health & Wellbeing program.

She also co-founded CrossCoders, a successful program that provides opportunities for female athletes around the globe to try their hand at AFLW.

North AFLW operations manager, Nathan Hrovat, said it was a terrific appointment.

“Lauren brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge to Arden St,” Hrovat said.

“Her passion, commitment and care will undoubtedly contribute to our ever-evolving program and we are thrilled to have her join us.

“She has an incredible reputation in women’s footy. She is a premiership player and has played at the highest level for a long time, but more importantly, she is a fantastic person.

“She has been around women’s football since the very beginning and helped pioneer the game to where it is now. Having someone of Lauren’s calibre join our club is very exciting for our program.”