The Perth Football League is pleased to announce Daniel Cripps as Head Coach of the Women’s Representative Team ahead of the annual clash against CountryWA on June 19 at HIF Health Insurance Oval.

Cripps enters the role following an impressive rise through the coaching ranks across community women’s football. Currently serving as Head Coach of Trinity Aquinas Women's A Grade, Cripps led the team to an undefeated B Grade premiership in 2025 before guiding them into A Grade competition this season.

Prior to stepping into the senior women’s program, Cripps also spent time as Assistant Coach of Trinity Aquinas’s A Reserves side in 2024, while his wider football background includes representing the Perth Football League at state level in both 2013 and 2015.

Alongside his role at Trinity Aquinas, Cripps has also spent time this season working within the Perth Football Club WAFLW program in a part-time development coaching role, continuing to broaden his experience within the female pathway system.

Despite only stepping into senior coaching recently, Cripps said he quickly developed a passion for the role.

“As soon as pre-season started, I absolutely got the bug,” Cripps said.

“It’s one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done.”

Known for his relationship-driven coaching style, Cripps places a strong emphasis on communication, culture and building confidence within his playing group.

“My coaching philosophy is built around strong relationships and communication, clear roles, accountability, and creating a game style that allows players to play with confidence and purpose,” he said.

“I’m a big believer that if players feel confident and supported, that’s when you get the best out of them.”

Cripps said the culture within the Trinity Aquinas women’s program helped shape his coaching journey and reinforced the importance of creating an enjoyable environment for players.

“In all my years involved in footy, whether playing or coaching, I’ve never been involved in a group quite like the women’s program at Trinity Aquinas,” he said.

“There’s such a positive, energetic and supportive environment around the group.

“We always reinforce that while we take our footy seriously, we’re still here because we love it, so we want to make it fun.”

Alongside his relationship-focused approach, Cripps has also developed a strong interest in the tactical and analytical side of coaching, regularly studying opposition trends, match vision and performance data to continue improving his program.

Now, he will have the opportunity to bring together some of the competition’s best talent for the representative clash against CountryWA.

“I’m very honoured to be coaching the side,” Cripps said.

“Women’s footy is growing so quickly, and the standard across the competition this year has gone to another level.

“The most exciting part for me is getting the opportunity to work with the best players in the competition and seeing what they can produce together.”

Cripps will be supported by assistant coaches Adam Justice and Katie Ashton as preparations begin for the June 19 representative fixture at HIF Health Insurance Oval.