The PFL is excited to announce Jackson Harwood and Steph Walding as the Head Coaches for the 2025 Men’s and Women’s State Teams.

Steph Walding returns to lead the PFL women’s side for another year, bringing a wealth of experience in women’s coaching and a sharp strategic mindset to the role. After a remarkable turnaround in 2024—taking the team from a 63-point loss in 2023 to a nail-biting one-point defeat—Steph is on a mission to reclaim that final point and lead the squad to victory.

Reflecting on her 2024 experience, Walding shared: “It was just really enjoyable. The players were great to work with, and I really enjoyed my time with PFL. I loved it so much I wanted to put my hand up again. After last year’s one-point loss, it just feels unfinished—it was so close.”

Walding’s coaching credentials speak for themselves. She led the East Fremantle WAFL Women’s side to a historic premiership in 2023 and is a familiar face within the PFL community, having been both a player and coach at Melville. Her deep connection to the league and understanding of its culture make her a great asset to the team.

When asked about her message to the team heading into 2025, Walding was clear-eyed and confident: “As disappointing as the loss was, it gave the girls a huge boost of confidence. To close the gap from a heavy defeat the year before to a single point—now they know they can win.”

Jackson Harwood has been appointed Head Coach of the men’s side, bringing a strong foundation in community football and a proven record of leadership. In 2024, he led the Kingsway A Grade Men to a premiership victory, defeating Trinity Aquinas 84 to 55.

Harwood’s playing career includes time at Lancelin and a standout role as a premiership-playing coach in the Central Midlands Country Football League in 2021. His experience across both grassroots and high-level competition brings valuable insight to his new position.

When reflecting on the foundation of his coaching success, Harwood points to a straightforward yet powerful principle: “Honest hard work is everything—showing up for your teammates and your club. It’s about committing to your role, and that mindset flows through the team and reflects the values of the whole footy club.”

Looking ahead to the representative clash, Harwood is eager to take on the challenge: “I’m really looking forward to putting together the best squad possible and testing ourselves against the VAFA on their home deck.”

Asked how he’ll establish strong team culture in a short timeframe, Harwood emphasised the value of humility and building on what’s come before: “It comes down to humility and drawing on the work of past coaches like Whitey, who built something really special. That’s what I hope to bring into this team.”

Both Head Coaches will be instrumental in identifying top talent from across the league and rolling out a training program in the lead-up to the highly anticipated matches.

The action will unfold during the A Grade bye weekend, with a thrilling double-header against the VAFA set for Saturday 12 July in Victoria. 

The women's will start at 1:15pm EST on the 12th, and the men's at 3:30pm EST. 

Further details on the matches will be announced in the coming weeks.