MEN'S COACHING STAFF
WOMEN'S COACHING STAFF
Paul Satterley - Men's Senior Coach
Satts arrives at Caulfield with 11 years coaching experience in the VAFA, commencing with De La Salle from 2014-2018, Old Xaverians in 2019 & more recently 5 years with Old Melburnians from 2020 to 2024. Prior to joining VAFA ranks, Satts was Assistant Coach at Melbourne FC in 2012 & 2013, Head Coach at VFL club Werribee in 2011 where he led them to a preliminary final.
His pathway to the VFL/AFL started with an Assistant coaching stint at the Western Jets in 2006 before taking charge at the Northern Knights in 2007 & 2008. These roles followed on from his entry into coaching with WRFL club Hoppers Crossing between 2003-2005 where he steered the club to a premiership in 2004. As a player Paul was drafted to the Western Bulldogs in 1992 & spent 3 years on the list and played 53 VFL games before being de-listed & joining VFL team Werribee & adding another 83 games & winning the JJ Liston trophy in 1995.
Will Martiniello - Men’s Senior Assistant
We’re excited to announce the appointment of Will Martiniello as our Senior Assistant Coach, where he’ll manage the midfield. Will brings a wealth of experience to the role, with 5 x Club B&Fs and 2 x League B&Fs, having played for Benalla in the GVFL and Maribyrnong Park in the EDFL. His leadership and football IQ are second to none, and his on-field performance has consistently set a high standard throughout his career.
In addition to his playing career, Will served as co-coach of Benalla in 2022-2023, demonstrating his strong coaching ability and commitment to player development. With 70 Senior VFL games under his belt, he brings a professional edge to the club that will be invaluable for our talented group. Will’s connection with Senior Coach Satts goes back to 2011 when Will played under him at Werribee, having been recruited from the Murray Bushrangers. This strong relationship will undoubtedly be a key asset in the development of our squad.
Marc Cassidy - Men’s Reserves Coach
Marc began his playing journey with CGFC in 1991 as a year 11 student playing a handful of games for the U19’s, officially landing at the club as U19’s player in 1993 (runner up U19 B & F 1993) and playing Seniors and Reserves until 2006 when Marc retired for the first time.
Marc played in both Seniors and Reserves Premierships through this period and has played over 200 games for CGFC, including a game in the reserves last year at the tender age of 49 (still receiving treatment). Marc is a life member of CGFC and has a great family legacy with CGFC.
Cooper Rule - Premier Under 19's Coach
The club is excited to announce the re -signing of Cooper Rule as our new Under 19’s Coach.
Cooper comes to CGFC with 5 years of head coaching experience in Under 18 and junior competitions, as well as operations experience in the AFLW system. With a coaching mentor in Darren Crocker, Cooper is committed to developing his coaching craft alongside Satts, while focusing on the growth of our Under 19 players.
Nick Thomson- Second Under 19's Team Coach
Nick is CGS alumni. With a strength and conditioning background most recently at Mazenod Collegians FC, Nick is a welcome addition to our Under 19 program in 2026 caching our second Under 19 Team. Nick played a few years at CGFC, and we are pleased to welcome him back into the fold.
Sam Wood - Men's Thirds Coach
Sam brings a lot of experience to the role, having played over 200 games for CGFC. He was a key part of our 2011 B-Grade senior premiership team and has been a big part of the club for many years.
He knows the club inside and out, and he’s got a real passion for the game. That makes him a great choice to lead our Thirds. We’re confident his leadership and love for the club will be a big boost for the team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can achieve together.
Danielle Distefano - Women's Senior Coach
Dani enters her third year as head coach of the Senior Women’s team at CGFC in 2025, building on a successful tenure and more than five years of coaching experience across women’s AFL programs in Melbourne and Canberra.
A former midfielder and forward pocket, Dani brings a wealth of on-field and leadership experience. She has played, captained, and coached in multiple finals campaigns, including three grand final appearances and two premierships within a five-year span.
With a deep understanding of the women’s game and the unique needs of female athletes, Dani is focused on driving sustained success. She prioritises strong relationships, develops the potential of each player, and upholds high standards of performance and professionalism.
At the core of her philosophy is a positive, inclusive team culture, one that celebrates individuality, embraces diversity, and fosters a genuine sense of belonging.
Deb Konopnicki - Women's Senior Assistant
Deb returns to the Fields in 2026 after three years as Senior Coach of the South Melbourne Districts Women’s team. Her previous coaching experience includes roles as Reserves Coach and Senior Assistant at CGFC, as well as Reserves Coach at South Melbourne Districts. She has also held development coaching positions with the Oakleigh Chargers and the Saints NGA.
Deb is a graduate of the AFL She Can Coach and Play Like A Girl program and will hold Gold Level coaching accreditation in 2026.
She brings a strong passion for player development and relationship-building to her role as Assistant Coach to Dani in 2026, where she will oversee the midfield. Driven by a commitment to learning and empowerment, Deb is focused on setting high standards through work ethic and continuous improvement, helping take the club to the next level in 2026.
Catherine Brown - Women's Assistant Coach
Catherine is the Senior Assistant Coach at Caulfield Grammarians Football Club. A retired Australian rules footballer, she previously played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition.
Prior to her AFLW career, Catherine was a professional soccer player, making 32 appearances for Canberra United in the W-League. Known for her resilience and leadership, she brings a wealth of elite-level experience and tactical knowledge to her coaching role.
Dylan Slavin- Women's Reserves Coach
Dylan comes to CGFC in 2026 with a wealth of knowledge both as a player and Coach. In particular senior coaching experience with Darebin Falcons in the NFNL in 2025 as well as Sports coaching experience with Strathcona Girls' Grammar School. He is a welcome addition to our Women's Coaching Panel.
Lachlan Worthy - Women’s Thirds Coach
Lachlan began his coaching career in Sydney in 2000 as the inaugural coach of the Sydney University Women’s team, leading them to two premierships and a grand final loss in double overtime. He also coached NSW at the National Football Championships from 2000–2002, finishing as runner-up twice. In 2009, he was named SWAFL Coach of the Decade.
Lachlan's coaching journey includes leading St. Kevins Saints’ reserves to a Division 4 Grand Final in 2017, building the Melbourne Cricket Club women's team from scratch to a Preliminary Final in 2018, and guiding St. Bede’s Mentone Tigers to the 2022 Premier C Premiership as Senior Assistant Coach. With 180 games of coaching experience across two states, Lachlan is most proud of helping players advance their football careers, whether in AFLW, VFLW, or just enjoying the game. The 2024 season will be his first with CGFC, and he’s excited to work with such an enthusiastic group.












