We are extremely pleased to announce the coaching structure for both our Senior and Junior Cricket Programs for 2025/26.

Briana Binch and Makinley Blows have been appointed to the positions of Head of Coaching (HOC), a joint role which will see them oversee the development and delivery of the Senior Cricket program.

A Bomber since 1999, Briana started in our U17 team, followed by our 2nd XI before going on to play 246 1st XI games for the club. A former Victorian and Melbourne Renegades player, “Crackers” captained EMP for six seasons leading the club to the 2016/17 One-Day Premiership as well as three T20 flags before retiring in 2021. Whilst she’s never been too far away, regularly popping into Bay 13, we are very happy to welcome Crackers home in an official capacity.

Joining the club in 2016/17, Makinley has played 121 matches for EMP including captaining the club to the 2019/20 One-Day and T20 Premierships as well as the 2022/23 flag where she won the Betty Wilson Medal as Player of the Final. A 4-time Raelee Thompson Club Champion and CV Una Paisley Medallist, “Makka” played 75 WNCL matches for Victoria and 29 matches for the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars from WBBL01-07. Having captained the club since 2019, we are excited to see Makka’s growth continue as she steps up into this coaching role.

Another homecoming! We welcome home Jenny Taffs to the role of Assistant Coach. As well as providing support to the HOC’s, “Taffsy” will also have a specialist coach focus on Batting and Fielding. Having played 76 1st XI games for EMP between 2016 and 2021, she has spent the past four season as Head Coach of Prahran CC where she lead the club to a 1st XI Grand Final. Having represented the ACT and Melbourne Renegades, we are excited to have Taffy’s leadership and first class cricket experience back at the club.

We are also very happy to announce Emily Smith in the role of Specialist Coach - Wicket Keeping. A former WBBL (Scorchers, Hurricanes and Thunder) and WNCL (WA and Tasmania) Wicket Keeper, “Smitty” has been one of the hearts of our playing group for some time. With 117 1st XI matches for EMP and 82 dismissals we are excited to see her step up into this Specialist Coach role, bringing invaluable experience to the panel.

A dedicated and passionate EMP person with a wealth of experience, George Shaw returns to the position of Head of Academy, as well Training Co-Ordinator for the senior program. A Bomber since 2020, “Shawy” continues to work tirelessly overseeing our junior pathway and Academy Program. With his care and passion for our players a standout quality, we are extremely pleased to see him continue in this role.

The Senior Program will see a large focus on specialist skillsets with a number of Guest Specialist Coaches to rotate through the program.

Senior Pre-Season training will begin on Thursday 31st July, 6pm at The Netz in Williamstown.

We welcome and congratulate Crackers, Makka, Taffsy, Smitty and Shawy to these coaching positions!

2025/26 EMP Coaches

Senior

Head of Coaching: Briana Binch and Makinley Blows

Assistant Coach: Jenny Taffs

Specialist Coach: Emily Smith

Training Co-Ordinator: George Shaw

Guest Specialist Coaches: Rotational

Academy

Head of Academy: George Shaw