THE OUTCOME of the AFLW review has given the players the chance to reset, according to Darcy Vescio.
Speaking at Carlton's launch of its partnership extension with Hyundai, Vescio credited the Co-Major partner for its constant support of the AFLW program since its inception.
They went on to explain how the playing group is dealing with the fallout of the review, with the findings announced last week.
“Hyundai has always been on the front of our jumpers so it’s awesome to know that they’ve been supporting both programs, especially since we’re such a new program – it means a lot,” Vescio said.
“Firstly, I’m really happy that we’ve gone through the review process.
“I hope that this can be a bit of a reset for us in terms of setting better standards for ourselves and each other.”
The outcome of the review resulted in change at the very top of the AFLW program, which Vescio said would definitely take some time to get used to.
With the findings stressing the need for a full-time Senior Coach and stronger leadership across the program, Vescio said the group's senior players have advised their teammates to take in the information and then move forward.
“I think it was hard for the playing group, both ‘Harf’ [Daniel Harford] and ‘Munners’ [Brett Munro] have given so much to the program,” they said.
“I think we’ve kind of been encouraging each other to feel all of that and experience it and don’t push it aside.
“For us to get better, we need to acknowledge what we’re feeling and then be able to look forward.”
Looking to the future, Vescio notes they are proud to have CEO Brian Cook leading the charge, referencing their trust in him to make the right decisions at the helm.
“I feel like what Brian said brings confidence to the program,” they said.
“He’s a good operator and I’m glad he’s overseeing everything.”
Having a microscope on the program is never easy, but for the AFLW team, Vescio acknowledged it was a necessary course of action.
While the program is still relatively new in terms of the wider landscape, Vescio notes that there may have been complacencies that have grown within the Club, needing an outsider to give a nudge to their biases.
“I feel like we’ve grown used to accepting maybe what we shouldn’t and that’s on us as well as the Club,” they said.
“When people come in, they can see things quite differently whereas when you’re in a bubble, it can be hard to identify.
“I’m personally quite energised by the fact that we’ve gone through the process.”
Now that the recommendations have been made, Cook revealed that the General Manager of AFLW would be the first position filled, with an AFLW Senior Coach to follow shortly after.
Vescio admitted that while they have made good inroads on building a culture of honesty and respect, it might be time to start pushing each other to harsher limits, hoping that a new leadership structure off-field will help set new foundations.
“I think it’s been highlighted through the review that we need to be held to really high standards and a coach that will really drive that professionalism,” they said.
“I feel like we’ve done a lot of work culturally in terms of understanding each other and being able to build those connections: I feel like now we’re ready to push each other, have those challenging conversations and hopefully be able to translate that to on-field performance.
“I think the group is ready, we’re all going through a bit at the moment, we’re all at different levels. But I think having someone come in who will whip us into shape – we’re ready for that.”
