PORT ADELAIDE has finalised its AFLW coaching structure for 2024, welcoming Daniel Merrett and Kelly Barltrop to the club.
Merrett retired from AFL football in 2016 after exactly 200 games for Brisbane, and was promptly retained by the Lions as an AFLW assistant coach.
The 39-year-old, who was born in Adelaide, spent four seasons as backline coach with Brisbane’s AFLW side, while balancing a post-playing career in commercial sales.
With more than two decades of experience in professional sport as a player, coach and administrator, Merrett’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the Power’s young group.
Barltrop, a secondary school teacher, has played more than 50 SANFLW matches between North Adelaide and West Adelaide.
She is currently the forwards coach of North Adelaide’s SANFLW side and, last year, served as the backline coach for the AFLW Academy talent prospects and the under 16 state program.
Barltrop has also held multiple roles at West Adelaide, including forward line assistant and development league mentor, as well as co-head-coach of the Bloods’ under 16 talent shield program.
In addition, Braedon Talbot has been elevated to assistant coach after a season as development coach, while Anthony Gallomarino has been appointed AFLW Head of High Performance.
Gallomarino boasts an impressive background in elite sport, primarily working with female athletes across the South Australian Cricket Association and Cricket Australia.
General Manager of Football Chris Davies congratulated the group on their positions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dan, Kelly and Anthony to Port Adelaide,” he said.
“Dan’s depth of football knowledge and experience coaching female footballers will be very beneficial to our AFLW group. He will also be a fantastic cultural fit for our club.
“We’re pleased to give Kelly the opportunity to coach at AFLW level, following on from her coaching experience in the SANFLW, and her playing background in both football and soccer.
“Finally, congratulations to Braedon on his promotion and to Anthony on joining the club. We are looking forward to seeing what both will achieve in their new roles.”
In November, it was confirmed that Sam Virgo will take on higher coaching duties with Lauren Arnell on parental leave, while AFLW runner and Glenelg SANFLW assistant coach Troy Wilkey will step into a development coach position.
Port Adelaide 2024 AFLW coaching panel
Lauren Arnell – senior coach
Sam Virgo – assistant coach
Daniel Merrett – assistant coach
Braedon Talbot – assistant coach
Kelly Barltrop – development coach
Troy Wilkey – development coach
