Women in Coaching Month: Jess McNaught – Leading with Passion at Canning South Perth

As one of just a few female coaches in the Perth Football League, Jess McNaught is helping pave the way for women in leadership on and off the field. Jess is the Women’s Coach at Canning South Perth Tigers and a passionate advocate for growth and representation in community football.

Her journey into coaching stemmed from a lifelong love of the game. While she only started playing at 19, her interest in footy IQ and strategy had always been strong. Over time, she transitioned into leadership roles as a player, including captaincy at Mount Lawley, and began coaching juniors, which naturally progressed into a desire to lead a senior women’s team.

Jess was inspired to step into the coaching space after noticing a lack of female representation on the sidelines. Having only ever been coached by men herself, she saw an opportunity to bring something new to the game and create a better experience for women in footy.

“There was some stuff missing, and that’s not aimed at anyone in particular,” Jess says, “but it felt like something more I could be doing for women’s footy.” She highlights the importance of players seeing women in coaching roles, especially as the women’s game continues to grow. “Kids come down and watch us play, boys and girls, and they see no difference. That representation needs to extend to coaching as well.”

While stepping into a male-dominated space came with challenges, Jess says the biggest hurdle was learning to “own her space” and build confidence in a leadership role. “As a coach, you have the same rights as every other coach at the club. It’s about backing yourself and not stepping back from that.”

One source of support has been her involvement in AFL’s She Can Coach program, which connected her with a network of like-minded women. “It was unreal. Meeting other women who coach was huge – just being in a room of 25 female coaches was inspiring. We could talk footy for hours, and we did!”

Jess is passionate about encouraging more women to get involved in coaching and offers this advice: “Find a mentor, find a club that will take you on. If you’ve got the love for footy and footy IQ, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you. It’s just a confidence thing, and you can do it.”

As for what keeps her coming back? It’s the team. Jess lights up when speaking about the culture at Canning South Perth and the players she coaches. “I’ve learned a lot from them, especially to celebrate the little wins. Whether it’s someone kicking their first goal or learning how to handball, those moments are so special. That’s what gets me going.”

Jess McNaught is more than a coach – she’s a leader, a role model, and a powerful example of what’s possible for women in footy.