AFL Queensland is pleased to announce the appointment of James Gellie as State Female High Performance Coach.
Gellie has enjoyed a successful tenure in the AFL Queensland talent pathway thus far, where he has held several coaching roles over the past half-decade.
Most recently, Gellie has been the head coach of the Under 16 Sunshine Coast Brisbane Lions Academy Squad while also offering his expertise as an Assistant Coach in the Queensland State Under 16 and Under 18 squads and the Brisbane Lions Under 16 Academy team.
Gellie has also held roles as an Assistant Coach in the Geelong Falcons TAC Cup team from 2012 to 2013 from which seven players were drafted to AFL clubs in either the National or Rookie Drafts.
With over 25 years of experience in Australian rules football either as a player, coach or in other support roles, Gellie has built a strong reputation as a skilled coach.
His knack of identifying talent and understanding of game day tactics will aid the growth of female football in Queensland, who boast the highest female participation contribution rate in the country.
AFL Queensland State Female High Performance Manager Kath Newmann said Gellie’s knowledge and record of developing talent in Queensland would help foster the growth of women’s football in the state.
“James will be responsible for coaching the Queensland U18 team at the National AFLW Championships as well as driving the Queensland Female High Performance Strategy through coach education and support,” Newmann told aflq.com.au.
“He will work closely with the Lions and SUNS Academies together with QAFLW clubs and regional women’s leagues.
“James will be one member of a newly created team consisting of a High Performance Manager and Well Being Manager which will focus on growing the size and quality of the talent base of female players and coaches in Queensland.”
