Ahead of Fremantle’s 2024 AFLW finals campaign, senior coach Lisa Webb sits down with AFL legend and columnist Danielle Laidley to reflect on her journey from player to coach, the development of her team, and the lessons learned over the past season. Webb, who transitioned into coaching after a decorated playing career, shares insights into her approach to leadership, her coaching philosophy, and the team dynamics that have propelled the Dockers to a strong finals run.
When asked whether she ever anticipated becoming the senior coach of Fremantle, Webb admits it wasn’t something she envisioned when she retired from playing in 2018. While she initially aimed to continue her playing career, family commitments, including the challenges of raising a child with hearing impairment, led her to reconsider. After taking some time away to focus on her family, Webb pivoted into coaching, starting with Fremantle’s opposition strategy before further developing her coaching career at the Western Bulldogs. It was during her time at the Bulldogs that Webb began to realize her passion for coaching and leadership, drawing on her experiences in teaching and athletics to guide young players and assist with game strategy.
Webb attributes much of her success in coaching to the influence of several key mentors, including her husband Marc, a former WAFL star, and her father, a long-time athletics coach. These figures instilled in her the importance of hard work, connection, and adaptability. She also credits her assistant coaches, such as Bob Murphy, for helping her build confidence and find her voice as a leader. Webb’s approach to coaching is deeply rooted in her belief in the value of personal connections and the power of humor and positivity to create a strong team culture. She emphasizes the importance of building an environment where players feel supported but also challenged to grow and improve.
In her first season as Fremantle’s senior coach, Webb and the team faced some challenges, finishing with a 4-6 record and missing out on finals. However