The Hampden Football Netball League is proud to confirm its coaching panel for the upcoming interleague representative clashes against Ballarat, to be held at Eastern Oval on Friday, July 5th.
Leading the charge for the U23 men’s side will be multiple Hampden League premiership coach Adam Dowie. Adam brings a wealth of experience to the role and was a key assistant to AFL great Jonathan Brown during the 2024 season. A long-time advocate for representative football, Adam is a passionate and respected figure in the Hampden football community, and the league is thrilled to have him guide the U23 team.
Ben Parkinson returns as coach of the U17 boys team for a second consecutive year. With a strong reputation in junior coaching circles, Ben’s ability to develop and mentor young talent has made him a valuable asset to the league’s pathways programs.
On the female side, Chris Meade will once again lead the U19 team. Chris has played a crucial role in the growth and success of the female football program in the region and continues to be a driving force in providing high-quality opportunities for young female athletes.
League President Shane Threlfall expressed his enthusiasm about the appointments:
“The league is absolutely rapt to have three great football people involved in our representative program. Adam, Ben and Chris bring not only experience, but a deep passion for developing talent and representing our league with pride.”
He also highlighted the broader benefits of the interleague concept:
“Interleague football is a fantastic opportunity—not just for players to test themselves against top-tier opposition, but also for coaches to expand their skills and gain experience in a different environment. It’s an important part of our league’s commitment to developing football talent at all levels.”
Preparations are well underway, and the Hampden League looks forward to a strong showing across all age groups in what promises to be a showcase of the region’s best talent.
