THE Carlton Football Club is delighted to announce Mathew Buck as its new AFLW Senior Coach.
Buck deservingly takes the reins of the Blues’ AFLW program after building a strong resume across several levels of the game, in a coaching career spanning almost a decade to date.
He is no stranger to IKON Park, having been part of the Club since 2021 as VFL Senior Assistant with the Carlton Reserves, alongside Luke Power.
Buck has also impressed in his work with the current AFLW playing group, recently stepping up to conduct optional, skills-development sessions with the players since the start of February.
This club-first mentality is a standout trait for Buck, one which will no doubt endear him to the Navy Blue faithful.
With a professional background in education, Buck shares a passion for development and maximising the talents of young people, which perfectly complements the Blues’ list demographic – which currently has 14 of the side’s 26 players aged 23 years or under.
Initially crafting his coaching experience regionally through the Warrnambool area, the 38-year-old honed his skillset in development with the GWV Rebels in the NAB League from 2018-19, before two seasons with Werribee in the VFL as a development coach.
In 2021 he joined the Blues, working closely with the Club’s Head of Development Luke Power as the Senior Assistant, initially in charge of the forward line and most recently the midfield.
He has also maintained a connection to working with emerging talent in recent seasons with the Geelong Falcons program.
Buck said the responsibility of becoming the AFLW Senior Coach of the Carlton Football Club was one that was not lost on him.
“It is an honour to be named the AFLW Senior Coach of this great club: the responsibility to help lead our AFLW program is one I’m privileged to have and I cannot wait to get to work,” Buck said.
“To represent such a massive club, backed by the most passionate supporter base in the country, gives you all motivation you need to do everything possible to build this program the right way, in our pursuit of long-term success.
“Having worked closely with the playing group over the last few months, I’ve seen first-hand just how much they want to bring success to Carlton.
“Throughout the interview process it has been terrific to see the level of investment the Club is placing in taking its AFLW program to the next level. That fills you with great confidence, especially in the environment that is being created. That is a great platform for us to launch from, so it’s time to get to work and build this together."
Carlton President Luke Sayers spoke glowingly about Buck’s traits, which would help launch the AFLW program into a new era.
“Mathew was a clear standout through the interview process: his football IQ, passion for development and a desire to help build an elite, high-performance program is outstanding,” Sayers said.
“For the last two months, Mathew has taken it upon himself to be available and work closely with our AFLW players, supporting them in their willingness to conduct optional skill development during this period.
“That coincidentally gave us an insight into his passion for this AFLW program, and genuine care to help this playing group reach their absolute maximum over the coming years.
“Importantly, he backs up that passion with a clear philosophy of what is required to maintain high standards and build a strong program. Now he steps into the role as Senior Coach in a full-time capacity, we are excited to see him take this side forward into a new era.
“This has been an important few months for our AFLW program. We have been detailed and considered in our approach to reinvesting in the program, with a focus to ensure this new era for our AFLW side is built around good people who align with our values of; Respect, United, Humility, Excellence, Integrity and Relentless.
“Mathew fits that criteria perfectly so we are excited to see him help take this football club forward.”
