St Kilda Football Club is thrilled to welcome Tessie McManus as its Head of AFLW for the upcoming AFL Women’s season.

McManus holds over two decades worth of football experience across both the women’s and men’s competitions, working in the Football Operations Department at the AFL for 18 years before serving as Head of AFLW Operations at Collingwood from 2018-2020.

The well-credentialed leader will oversee the operations, performance and management of St Kilda’s AFLW program, as well as support the integration and impact of women’s football across the broader club and its key stakeholders and partners.

Additionally, as Director on the Board of Sandringham Football Club, McManus will continue to develop and deepen the VFL/VFLW alignment between the St Kilda and Sandringham Football Clubs.

Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said McManus’ appointment would be a great benefit for not only the Saints’ women’s program, but for the club at large.

“We’re really pleased to have Tessie join us at the Saints for the upcoming AFL Women’s season,” Lethlean said.

“She is a woman that has lived and breathed football for many, many years. She’s found herself outside the industry for the last 12 months, but welcoming her back into the fold will be a substantial addition to our football programs at the club in general.

McManus will replace the outgoing Jamie Cox as Head of Women’s Football, who last month took up an opportunity to work with the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s as its new Assistant Secretary (Cricket & Operations).

She will commence her role with St Kilda Football Club on 25 August.