Fremantle’s Áine Tighe has been awarded an AFL Coaches Association scholarship in recognition of her continued contribution to the coaching space.

The AFLCA Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship assists female coaches to gain experience and succeed in high-performance programs.

Tighe will receive a fully funded scholarship that provides unique opportunities for growth in the coaching profession and the space to challenge philosophies in a new environment.

The scholarship includes an AFLCA study tour to the USA in February 2027 which will see Tighe engage with college and professional coaches in leading programs across a variety of sports, observing high-performance environments while growing networks with AFLW peers.

Tighe says she’s excited about the next phase of her coaching journey and the opportunity to expand her knowledge and networks.

“I’m thrilled to receive this scholarship and I look forward to the incredible opportunities ahead of me,” Tighe said.

“I’m grateful to the AFLCA for their support of women in coaching and this chance to broaden my experience within the high-performance sport coaching environment.”

Tighe has been recognised for establishing an impressive coaching portfolio, which includes development coach and forward-line bench coach with Fremantle’s AFLW program in 2026.

Tighe is also the Club's Female Next Generation Academy and Game Development Coach, overseeing programs for Under 16 and Under 18 female athletes. Her coaching experience extends to the WA State Under 16 and Under 18 programs, the 2026 AFL National Futures Program, and a role as Ireland assistant coach for the inaugural Australia v Ireland AFLW representative game.

The AFL Coaches Association's Women's Coaching Pathway Scholarship was established in 2019 to support the ambitions of aspiring female coaches and accelerate their development towards coaching at the highest level.