The Southport Sharks are pleased to announce that Peter “Doc” Doherty has been appointed as the QAFLW Seniors Coach for 2023.
Doc will replace Ryan Davis, who decided not to continue in the role for 2023.
Southport’s General Manager of Football Jarrod Field said, “We are privileged to have someone with Doc’s coaching experience to take the reigns as the Senior Women’s Coach.”
“I have seen firsthand his work as an assistant coach of the women’s program for the last three years that he has a great coaching philosophy.”
“I believe he is the perfect person to continue the legacy that Ryan started in 2020 and look forward to seeing him in the role.”
Doc coached country football in Victoria before he moved with his family to the Gold Coast for business opportunities.
For the last eleven years, he has coached junior, youth, and female football at the Southport Sharks.
He said he was very excited about this latest opportunity and is buoyant about the club’s direction.
“I am passionate about what we are doing here at Sharks.”
“I believe it is the best club in Australia for females who want to play AFLW as there is a pathway for girls to go from Auskick to AFLW, which is exciting.”
“The environment we can offer our senior girls is fantastic and allows them to play their best.”
Doc was a massive advocate for former QAFLW Senior Coach Davis and said he plans to continue on the foundations Davo has laid over the last three years.
He said, “It is sad to see Davo leave, as he has done a fantastic job.”
“We had a great year this year, the Reserves won the premiership, and the Seniors made the Grand Final in our first year in the state league.”
“Seven of our players who played with us this year are now on AFLW lists.”
“Four of our players were in the QAFLW team of the year, Selina Priest won the league medal, and Ryan was named the “QAFLW Coach of the Year”.
“It truly was an incredible year! Now the aim is to continue that great work.”