As Fremantle’s AFLW finals campaign kicks off this weekend, coach Lisa Webb sat down with AFL legend Danielle Laidley for an insightful interview, shedding light on her journey from player to senior coach, the development of her coaching philosophy, and the challenges and triumphs of the 2024 season.
Reflecting on her early career, Webb admits she never envisioned herself in a senior coaching role when she hung up her boots in 2018. The birth of her son Ollie, who was born deaf, shifted her priorities, and she focused on balancing family life with her career. Webb’s journey into coaching was influenced by her desire to stay connected with the game. She began with a part-time role in coaching at Fremantle and later took on a similar position with the Western Bulldogs, where her coaching aspirations started to take shape. Webb credits her time at the Bulldogs, juggling teaching, coaching, and motherhood, as a critical period in her development as a coach. It was through these experiences that she realized her passion for coaching and her drive to lead her own team.
Webb’s coaching style and philosophies around people and club culture were shaped by her diverse background. As an athlete, teacher, and coach, she emphasizes the importance of individual connections and personal growth within a team environment. She values humor, positivity, and a genuine care for her players’ well-being. Webb believes that a successful team thrives when there is mutual respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to growth, both on and off the field. Her ability to foster these qualities has played a pivotal role in Fremantle’s success this season, as she continues to develop the leadership potential of her players, encouraging them to take ownership of their roles and decisions.
When asked about her mentors, Webb pointed to her husband, Marc, a former WAFL player, as a major influence in her coaching journey. His experience and success with Subiaco, along with his passion for football, provided Webb with invaluable insights into the game. She also acknowledges her father, a long-time athletics coach, for instilling the values of hard work and consistency in her. At Fremantle, she credits assistant coach Bob Murphy and director of coaching Cam Shepherd for shaping her growth as a leader, offering guidance and challenging her perspectives on strategy and decision-making. Webb’s ability to learn from those around her and apply their insights to her coaching approach has been crucial to her development.
Looking back at the 2023 season, which saw Fremantle miss out on the finals, Webb recognizes the need for a more holistic team approach. She acknowledges that relying on one or two star players, like Kiara Bowers, wasn’t sustainable. In 2024, she focused on building depth and ensuring that all players, from rookies to veterans, could contribute meaningfully. Webb’s emphasis on improving communication among the players has paid off, with quieter players now stepping up to take on leadership roles, ensuring the team remains strong and united. She credits the collective effort and the players’ willingness to learn and grow for their much-improved performance this season.
As Fremantle heads into the finals with an 8-3 record, Webb is excited but not complacent. She knows that while the team has come a long way since the start of the season, they must remain focused and disciplined to succeed. She praises the commitment and hunger of her players, noting that their desire to improve both physically and mentally has been key to their success. With the team now more connected and cohesive, Webb is confident they can handle the challenges ahead, but she’s mindful of the importance of staying grounded and focused on the basics.
In a final reflection, Webb shares her excitement about the upcoming finals series. Despite the challenges that came with losing key players like Bowers and Aine Tighe early in the season, she believes Fremantle is in a strong position. With a more cohesive team and players who are ready to step up in leadership roles, Webb is determined to make the most of this opportunity. As she prepares for the clash with Essendon, Webb remains focused on ensuring her players are as prepared as possible, eager for the chance to compete for a spot in the AFLW finals.