Northern Force reappoint Mesman & Smith

Northern Force has reappointed Zoe Mesman and Jayden Smith as head coaches of its women’s and men’s teams for the 2027 NBL1 South season.

The appointments follow an independent review commissioned by the Force board. Mesman and Smith both coached the club during its inaugural NBL1 season in 2026.

Force president Craig Gibson said confirming the coaches in September would give both programs more time to prepare than they had ahead of their first season.

“We were so limited going into season one with an extremely short runway to prepare for our inaugural season,” Gibson said. “I’m so excited to have these positions locked in when it’s only September.”

Mesman previously coached the Launceston Tornadoes in 2025 and is currently an assistant coach with the Tasmania Jewels. She said the Force women would look to build on their 2026 season after narrowly missing the finals.

“We are looking to take the next step,” Mesman said. “We are looking to bolster our defence especially.”

Smith, who has recently been involved in New Zealand’s 3x3 program, will return to Northern Tasmania to lead the men’s team. He said he had already begun working individually with players ahead of the new season.

Northern Force expects to announce its assistant coaches and player signings in the coming months