The head coaches for New Zealand’s representative teams have been announced for the upcoming 2016 season which will see four sides play host to Australian touring teams over ANZAC Weekend in April this year.
NZ Hawks Senior Coach: Rob Malone
Robert Malone has been appointed as head coach for the New Zealand Hawks senior team through to the International Cup in August 2017.
Australian born Malone, has a lengthy history with the game in New Zealand. His composure, knowledge and experience is an asset to the developing sport and this was never more evident than with his efforts as Assistant Coach through the victorious 2005 International Cup campaign where New Zealand secured their best result in the Cups thirteen year history.
Rob is the current head coach of the Western Crows in the AFLNZ Premiership and has been involved with the Assistant Coaching role with the New Zealand Senior team and 2014 senior campaigns against AFL Academy and the 2014 International Cup. He is well noted for an eye to spot talent and currently assists in this capacity to support AFL recruitment.
A playing career that commenced in the West Australian Football League, netting over 125 games and 3 Premierships with the Claremont and West Perth Football clubs, reached its greatest heights when Malone was listed with the St Kilda Football Club for the 1992 / 93 seasons.
The New Zealand Hawks next fixture is the NAB AFL Academy played on 24th April 2016 at Harbour Stadium, Albany.
NZ Hawks U18 Coach: Chris Mundell
Auckland based, Chris Mundell has been appointed as head coach for the NZ Hawks U18 side.
With over five years of professional coaching experience, Chris Mundell has become a prominent figure within New Zealand’s AFL landscape.
Initially entering into the AFL New Zealand High Performance Programme in an assistant coaching capacity, Chris has progressed to take on the head coaching role for the Auckland Buccaneers at a National Provincial level and currently the reigning AAFL Premiership coach with the University Blues. He also acts as mentor for St Kilda’s International Scholarship recruit Giovanni Mountain-Silbery.
In a playing capacity Chris has represented New Zealand at the 2011 and 2014 International Cups as well campaigns against the AFL Academy.
The New Zealand Hawks U18 side will tour to Victoria hosted by AFL South East Victorian clubs playing local teams in two matches through May 2016.
NZ Hawks Level 2 Academy Coach: Shannon Wall
Wellington based Shannon Wall has been appointed coach of the NZ Hawks Level 2 Academy.
Shannon was head coach of the 2015 New Zealand Under 16 side and is obviously well versed at developing young talent. This is very evident through the success he achieved with St Kilda Football Clubs first International Scholarship signing, Joe Baker Thomas. The procession of young talent and their continued improvement in the Wellington region have all passed through Walls guidance at some point.
The NZ Hawks Level 1 Academy team will play a two match series against AFL South East Victoria, 21st – 24th April 2016 at Harbour Stadium, Albany.
NZ Hawks Level 1 Academy Coach: Alex Fakatoumafi
Alex Fakatoumafi has been newly appointed to the NZ Hawks Level 2 Academy Head Coach role.
Now based with the Manurewa Raiders, Alex is a developing coach with good experience at the highest level in his playing background.
International representation with both Tonga and New Zealand including an International Cup victory in 2005 with New Zealand, will ensure the players under his control will have a good understanding of the AFL pathway.
The NZ Hawks Level 2 Academy team will play a two match series against New South Wales Independent Schools, 21st – 24th April 2016 at Harbour Stadium, Albany.
New Zealand Kahu Youth Girls Coach: Mick Coultard
National High Performance Manager Mick Coultard will once again take the reigns of the NZ Kahu Youth Girls side.
Mick has been involved in a number of campaigns with the national girls team including the AFL Indigenous Woomeras tour in December 2015. He brings with him a vast amount of experience in coaching having been involved with AFL in New Zealand since 2003.
The New Zealand Kahu Youth Girls will play a two match series against AFL South East Victoria Youth Girls, 21st – 24th April 2016 at Harbour Stadium, Albany.
The wider training squads for each of the teams will be announced shortly.
