Fresh off his appointment as Port Adelaide’s Head of AFLW, Daniel Merrett says it was women’s football that reignited his passion for the game after retiring from his professional playing career - a passion that now drives his desire to lead the club’s AFLW program.
Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au, Merrett reflected on what his promotion from assistant coach means to him, how his 20-plus year journey as a player, coach, and administrator has equipped him with the skills to lead the program, and his relationship-based leadership philosophy.
The former 200-game player also shared his hopes for the 2026 season and explained why he’s committed to helping grow women’s football at both the professional and grassroots levels.
Merrett on his appointment to the Head of AFLW role
“I’m really excited to be appointed into the Head of AFLW role. It was a great process (recruitment), and I'm really grateful that the club has faith in me to deliver in this role.”
Merrett on his 20-plus year journey from player, coach, and administrator
“I first started my football journey in 2002 at Brisbane, so I've been around football for 23 years now, going 24. I've been in that high performance environment pretty much that whole time, and seeing both sides of the business as well, from on field, coaching and then administration – I can see how it all works and what needs to be done in the job.”
Merrett on how the AFLW competition reignited his passion for the game
“I think initially coming into AFLW in 2017 at Brisbane, when it first started, no one really knew what to expect. What I love about it is the players' passion for the game, their willingness to work hard, and their joy. Every day when I come to training or to work at Port Adelaide, you feel that joy, and it's always fun. I wake up every morning and I'm happy to come to work, and I just think about what the game's done for women in sport as well, and I really want to help drive that in the community, it’s something that I'm really passionate about as well. So, to be able to move into this role, and to be able to help keep driving our game forward is something I'm really excited for.”
Merrett on his relationship-based leadership philosophy
“I'm very, very passionate about our program, and I'm very passionate about women's footy. I build really strong relationships, and through those strong relationships, I build trust, and then through that, I can keep people accountable – that’s kind of how my leadership style works, and how I try and facilitate it. I think for the program, I'll be someone that is going to be present and invested. I'm not here for a short time; I'm here for a long time. I want our program to progress forward, and I hope everyone in our program was jealous sitting at home watching the Grand Final, there will be a relentless pursuit for our program to make that last day.”
Merrett on his hopes for the 2026 season
“Everyone in the AFLW probably looks at our list and can see how exciting it is. Last year had a few ups and downs, but that probably comes with the young list profile that we have, and no doubt we'll learn from last season. I think moving into next year, it's probably just about becoming more consistent across the board, whether it's our training, and in-game performances. I think the girls will grow and mature. Their leadership will develop, and as coaches, we will grow as well. So, I think as the program, we'll keep learning, keep getting better, and keep trying to chase those top teams and start mixing it with them.”
