Welcome back, Geoff Valentine!
Peel Thunder Football Club is pleased to announce the return of Geoff Valentine as Senior Coach for at least the next two seasons, alongside the appointments of Nathan Broad and Sam Mainwaring as Assistant Coaches.
Valentine returns to the role after previously leading the Club during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Since then, he has remained closely connected to Peel Thunder through his role as Head of Development at the Fremantle Football Club, which has included ongoing involvement with Peel’s football program on game days.
Valentine will continue in his role as Head of Development at Fremantle, alongside his Senior Coach responsibilities at Peel Thunder and his existing position as Head of Leadership at the Club.
This alignment presents an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Peel Thunder and Fremantle, enhancing collaboration across player development, leadership and football program alignment.
Speaking on his return, Valentine expressed his excitement about the opportunity and the direction of both football clubs.
“I’m really excited to be back at Peel Thunder and looking forward to getting stuck into the role. Both Peel and Fremantle are in really strong positions, and there’s a lot to look forward to across both football programs.
“I’m also looking forward to working alongside Ash Brazill and continuing to build on the strong foundations already in place across the club. It’s an exciting time to be involved at Peel Thunder, and I can’t wait to get back into it.”
Peel Thunder CEO Daniel Bandy welcomed Valentine’s return, highlighting the experience and leadership he brings to the Club.
“Geoff’s appointment as Peel Thunder’s Senior Coach for the next two years is a significant outcome for our men’s senior football program. His experience, leadership and proven ability to develop players will be invaluable as we continue to drive Football Excellence.
“Geoff is a highly respected football person who understands our club, our people and what it takes to build elite player development programs and ultimately achieve success.
“As a local resident, Geoff has a strong connection to the Peel community, making his appointment even more significant for the club.
“His leadership and experience will have a positive impact not only on our men’s senior program, but also across our talent pathway and women’s program as we continue to strengthen our football department and build a consistent approach to player development and high performance.”
Joining Valentine in the coaching group will be Nathan Broad (Backline) and Sam Mainwaring (Midfield), who have both been appointed as Assistant Coaches ahead of the 2027 season.
“We’re also delighted to welcome Nathan Broad and Sam Mainwaring to the club as assistant coaches. Both bring outstanding football experience and knowledge, and we’re excited about the expertise and energy they will add to our coaching group,” Bandy said.
With preparations for the 2027 season underway, Bandy expressed confidence in the direction of the Club’s senior football program.
“We’re extremely excited about the playing list we’re building and the potential of this group over the next two seasons. There’s a real sense of optimism around the program, and we believe we have a strong foundation to continue developing our players and competing at the highest level.”
Bandy also acknowledged the personal significance of welcoming Valentine and his family back to the Club.
“On a personal note, it’s fantastic to welcome Geoff back to Peel Thunder, along with his wife Vinny and their three children. They are an important part of the Peel Thunder family, and we look forward to having them back in the Peel community as we work together towards an exciting next chapter for our football programs.”
The appointments reflect Peel Thunder’s ongoing commitment to building a strong football culture, developing its people and providing an environment where players can continue to grow both on and off the field.
We would like to also congratulate Tendai Mzungu on his promotion to the AFL!
Valentine returns to the role after previously leading the Club during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Since then, he has remained closely connected to Peel Thunder through his role as Head of Development at the Fremantle Football Club, which has included ongoing involvement with Peel’s football program on game days.
Valentine will continue in his role as Head of Development at Fremantle, alongside his Senior Coach responsibilities at Peel Thunder and his existing position as Head of Leadership at the Club.
This alignment presents an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Peel Thunder and Fremantle, enhancing collaboration across player development, leadership and football program alignment.
Speaking on his return, Valentine expressed his excitement about the opportunity and the direction of both football clubs.
“I’m really excited to be back at Peel Thunder and looking forward to getting stuck into the role. Both Peel and Fremantle are in really strong positions, and there’s a lot to look forward to across both football programs.
“I’m also looking forward to working alongside Ash Brazill and continuing to build on the strong foundations already in place across the club. It’s an exciting time to be involved at Peel Thunder, and I can’t wait to get back into it.”
Peel Thunder CEO Daniel Bandy welcomed Valentine’s return, highlighting the experience and leadership he brings to the Club.
“Geoff’s appointment as Peel Thunder’s Senior Coach for the next two years is a significant outcome for our men’s senior football program. His experience, leadership and proven ability to develop players will be invaluable as we continue to drive Football Excellence.
“Geoff is a highly respected football person who understands our club, our people and what it takes to build elite player development programs and ultimately achieve success.
“As a local resident, Geoff has a strong connection to the Peel community, making his appointment even more significant for the club.
“His leadership and experience will have a positive impact not only on our men’s senior program, but also across our talent pathway and women’s program as we continue to strengthen our football department and build a consistent approach to player development and high performance.”
Joining Valentine in the coaching group will be Nathan Broad (Backline) and Sam Mainwaring (Midfield), who have both been appointed as Assistant Coaches ahead of the 2027 season.
“We’re also delighted to welcome Nathan Broad and Sam Mainwaring to the club as assistant coaches. Both bring outstanding football experience and knowledge, and we’re excited about the expertise and energy they will add to our coaching group,” Bandy said.
With preparations for the 2027 season underway, Bandy expressed confidence in the direction of the Club’s senior football program.
“We’re extremely excited about the playing list we’re building and the potential of this group over the next two seasons. There’s a real sense of optimism around the program, and we believe we have a strong foundation to continue developing our players and competing at the highest level.”
Bandy also acknowledged the personal significance of welcoming Valentine and his family back to the Club.
“On a personal note, it’s fantastic to welcome Geoff back to Peel Thunder, along with his wife Vinny and their three children. They are an important part of the Peel Thunder family, and we look forward to having them back in the Peel community as we work together towards an exciting next chapter for our football programs.”
The appointments reflect Peel Thunder’s ongoing commitment to building a strong football culture, developing its people and providing an environment where players can continue to grow both on and off the field.
We would like to also congratulate Tendai Mzungu on his promotion to the AFL!
