Collingwood has welcomed two new faces to its 2021 AFLW coaching staff.

Scott Gowans has joined the club as senior assistant to head coach Steve Symonds with responsibility for the mid-field. James Debono joins the program as an assistant with responsibility for the forward line and a role in strength and conditioning.

Jordan Roughead, who plays for the club’s AFL side, returns to Symonds’ panel in a new role as backline and defence coach. Roughead played a part in the club’s 2020 AFLW season as a specialist coach.

Gowans joins the Pies following two years at North Melbourne as the side’s AFLW head coach. Gowans led the side to 11 wins from 14 matches across the club’s first two AFLW seasons.

Debono holds an impressive portfolio with over 10 years coaching experience in  Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and ACT.

With over 18 years in the Australian Army, Debono arrives at the club on a full-time secondment opportunity.

Chloe McMillian returns for another AFLW campaign as a development coach whilst continuing her role as the side’s VFLW head coach.

Symonds believes the 2021 coaching panel is experienced and equipped with a diverse set of coaching skills.

“We have wealth of experience across all three lines in our coaches,” Symonds said.

“Scott built a strong program for North Melbourne in their formative AFLW seasons, whilst James has 10 years of coaching experience.

“Jordan adds another perspective as a current AFL player, whilst Chloe’s dual-role allows her to contribute to both women’s football programs.

“Following a strong 2020 campaign, we hope to take our standard of play to a new level. I am confident Scott, James, Jordan and Chloe will contribute to this strategy.”

Collingwood’s AFLW squad will return for pre-season training in November.