THE CARLTON Football Club has locked in its coaches for the 2024 season.

Senior Coach Mathew Buck will remain in the top job for his second season with Glenn Strachan, Aasta O’Connor, and Christina Polatjko also remaining alongside Buck.

Earlier this year Strachan was appointed as the VFLW Senior Coach, creating a clearer alignment with the Club’s pathways program. Strachan has also recently taken up the position as Head of Development, after Tom Couch departed the Club.  

With a range of knowledge across the field, Darebin Falcons four-time premiership player, O’Connor, will now coach the forward line after previously working as the development coach.  

Polatjko will move to coach the defensive line, which she is no stranger to. In 2022, she worked as the Assistant Coach in the Backline for Hawthorn’s VFLW side, helping them achieve a second-place position.

Carlton midfielder Jess Dal Pos will join the coaching panel after helping as an assistant coach for the Blues’ VFLW side. Dal Pos has been appointed as a playing development coach, with a key focus on mentoring and providing support for the players in continuing to learn the integral game plan and language.  

“Jess’ role within the coaching team will help to further establish the direct link for players to provide feedback, increasing the program's autonomy,” Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said.

“Appointing Jess to the coaching group will further strengthen that connection between the players and coaches, providing increased synergy both during the week and on game day.

“Glenn’s work ethic and in-depth understanding of the AFLW program's trajectory will hold us in good stead going into the season, as he takes on the role of Head of Development.

“Each of our coaches brings a unique skill set but one thing that they bring is the club-first mentality and an adherence to fostering a professional environment within our program.

“Our players are grateful for the calibre of coaches we have in our program. They continue to bring a strong understanding of the game to best guide and support our players to perform at their best.

"Having coaches who thrive off supporting our players as elite athletes and great people is a big asset for our program.”

Carlton AFLW 2024 coaching panel:  

Mathew Buck – Senior Coach  
Glenn Strachan - Senior Assistant/ Head of Development/ Midfield line 
Aasta O’Connor - Assistant coach/Forward line 
Christina Polatjko - Assistant coach/Defensive line 
Jess Dal Pos – Development coach