![Ben Hyndes gives out instructions to his Lions. Picture by AFL NSW/ACT Ben Hyndes gives out instructions to his Lions. Picture by AFL NSW/ACT](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/4sZx2UeLhML2LRYLyd2FGM/106650aa-3c43-4095-b7f6-61c10940dc0b.png/r0_120_1080_720_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
He's played a key role in the growth of women's football at the Wollongong Lions, and Ben Hyndes has now been rewarded for his dedication.
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On the back of leading the Lions to becoming AFL South Coast Women's Premier Division champions, Hyndes has now been named AFL National Senior Community Coach of the Year for 2022. Since he took the reins in 2020, Hyndes has overseen the club's women's program expanding from one side to three.
"When I took over, there wasn't really any of the girls training and we tried to push for two teams, but couldn't quite get there. I basically them that this wasn't good enough," Hyndes said.
"They did well that year, the results didn't show but the commitment to footy did. Last year, we started to get a roll on and got two teams, so there was competitiveness amongst the groups and we got some wins. And this year, we have thee sides and it's really turned into an amazing performance by the girls.
"It really came down to their dedication and effort, and their will to play footy."
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