Tara Murray
Westmeadows has reappointed Mo Kaakour for another three years, while appointing one the of competition’s best female players as its women’s coach.
The Essendon District Football Club announced on Thursday its coaching structure for next season, locking in to big names as they aim to continue to build.
Kaakour has been coach of the men’s side since 2020. They sit in fourth in the division 1 competition.
Gemma Wright, who shared the EDFL women’s premier division best and fairest award last season, will coach the women’s side.
Tigers president Grant Smith said they were focused on a long term strategy, dedicated to the growth and development of local talent as they progress through the junior programs.
He said after speaking with Kaakour they believed he was fully aligned with the club’s vision.
“His commitment to our community and to developing a high performing premier division team left us no doubt that he is the right person to lead our club to a long term sustainable future,” he said.
“Mo will be contracted with us until the end of 2026 where he will continue to focus on the growth and development of local talent and drive cultural change.
“He is currently working with VFL and AFL level coaching teams and we believe that he is a true club person, dedicated to the Westmeadows Football Club and success at all levels.”
Female vice-president Deb Williams said they were excited to appoint Wright as coach. She will be a playing coach, having joined the club in 2020.
“Our female program has gone from strength to strength, with 2022 seeing three senior women’s teams,” she said.
“Gem has progressed through the football ranks, playing both at AFLW and VFLW level. Along with Mo, she is dedicated to the club and brings a wealth of experience so as to develop football skills across our female group. We know that our girls are in good hands and look forward to seeing Gem lead the girls forward.”
Wright replaces Wayne Spicer as coach. The club thanked Spicer, a life member of the club, for his work with the women’s side since 2019.
On Saturday, both the men’s and women’s sides had big wins against the Sunbury Kangaroos and Maribyrnong Park respectively.
