“I GOT offered an opportunity and I thought ‘why not?’.”

Nicole Callinan is someone who has - in her own words - embraced change ever since stepping into a football environment. 

So adding ‘assistant coach’ to her CV to go alongside being part of the AFLW’s inaugural intake, AFLW premiership player, Darebin Falcons mainstay and a player development mentor was a no-brainer.

Callinan was announced last week as the newest member of the Game Changers’ coaching panel, taking care of the team’s defence.

Speaking to Carlton Media, she said that this presented the next step in her story.

02:33

"I embrace change": Meet AFLW assistant Nicole Callinan

Carlton's newest AFLW backline coach, former premiership player Nicole Callinan discusses why she's excited to start working at Carlton.

“I’m humbled to be given this opportunity and I’m really excited by what I can do here at the Navy Blues,” Callinan said.

“It’s a new area, a new environment and new people that I can work with and learn from.

“I’m part of the Carlton Football Club now, which is great. I’m looking forward to the new challenge.”

Callinan is well-known in AFLW circles, having enjoyed the ultimate success - on IKON Park, no less - back in 2018 while also mentoring St Kilda’s young players upon her retirement as a development coach.

She’s fully aware of the credentials of those players in Carlton’s backline who she has already started to form relationships with given pre-season is already back up and running.

02:42

Heart and soul: backline trio re-signs

Gab Pound, Paige Trudgeon and Mua Laloifi all spoke to Carlton Media about their connection in the backline and how they are excited to return for season seven of the AFLW.

“The Carlton backline is quite an experienced backline. I’ve always admired the way they play, so for me, I don’t need to come in and tell them how to play,” she said.

“It’s about encouraging them to get the best out of themselves and I’ll probably learn off them as well… building relationships.”

And her first official communication with the captain left nothing to interpretation.

“I met ‘Kez’ before and she said the backline is the most important. I’ll learn that very quickly.”

03:47

New name, same 'Kez': Peterson's extensive chat after re-signing

AFLW captain Kerryn Peterson sat down with Carlton Media to discuss everything from her new contract, the new CBA and the quick turnaround to season seven.

While there are a few new faces which Callinan is getting to know, those who she won’t need to introduce herself to is the Darebin Falcons contingent that remains at IKON Park.

“The old ‘Falcs’! We’re taking over at Carlton, aren’t we?

“I know those girls from 2012, I think me and Darcy Vescio started in the same year. They’re friendships we will always have, we still see each other and I still play there in the VFLW.

“Knowing them will definitely help develop me and help me feel comfortable.”