BIO

Lauren Arnell's name will forever be etched in the history books as Port Adelaide's inaugural AFLW senior coach.

In 2022, Arnell was appointed to the role, following two years as head coach of the Brisbane Lions Academy.

A true trailblazer of women's sport, she was Carlton's inaugural AFLW captain and later, became the first former AFLW player to be named senior coach of an AFLW side.

As a player, she was part of an incredibly successful era for the Darebin Falcons, winning nine VFLW premierships.

She also represented Victoria in the AFL Women's national championships six times, being named All-Australian on three occasions, and winning an AFLW premiership with the Lions in her last professional game of football.

A former teacher, Arnell designed and delivered the AFL's She Can Coach scholarship program in Victoria, to invest in the development of women coaches. 

As part of the AFLPA Advisory Board, she played a vital role in shaping the AFLW competition from before its inception.

Coaching career
2022 – current Port Adelaide senior coach
2020 – 2022 Brisbane Lions Academy head coach

Achievements:
AFL Coaching Association Scholarship (2019)

Playing career
Clubs: Carlton (2017-2018) 11 games, 4 goals; Brisbane (2019-2021), 25 games, 5 goals
Debut: Round 1, 2017 vs Collingwood

Achievements:
Carlton captain (2017)
Premiership player (Brisbane, 2021)
AFLPA Advisory Board (2016 – 2021)
AFLW Competition Committee (2018 – 2021)
Three-time All-Australian (AFLW National Championships)