Jess Grace has become the first-ever female senior coach of a Boys Interleague side, coaching the Under 15 Boys Division Two team on Saturday.
A remarkable accomplishment for the 21-year-old, creating history in the Eastern Football Netball League.
Her experience through the Interleague program started in 2023 when the former VFLW-listed Hawk accepted a role with the Under 14 Boys Interleague coaching group.
As part of this year’s Under 15 Boys coaching group as an Assistant Coach, Jess stood up and took the reigns on Saturday to coach the Division Two side at Belvedere Reserve as the EFNL faced off against Frankston & District Junior Football League.
EFNL Junior Manager Daniel Houeix said “The league is thrilled to have a person of Jess’ ilk involved within our Interleague Program.”
“Jess has played an important part in coaching and mentoring this group over the past two years, so for her to be appointed as the head coach on Saturday is a testament to her dedication and skills.”
“Jess’ appointment not only reflects her hard works but also the growing recognition of talented female coaches in the EFNL.”
Jess has coached the Mitcham Football Club Senior Women’s side for the last two seasons, leading the team to a Grand Final appearance last season.
This season, she returns to the field after an ACL injury in 2023, performing as a Playing Coach for the Tigers.
“I’m loving being back out there, it’s always where I’ve wanted to be,” Jess Grace said on the EFNL Podcast in May.
“Coaching from the sideline last year although I loved it, you don’t feel like you can necessarily help as much as when you’re out there so it’s been good and I’ve got a really good support crew behind me.”