DECORATED AFL personnel Lloyd Perris has been appointed Carlton’s AFLW Head of Development as well as coach for the Carlton Academy.

In this joint role, Perris will play an important part in growing the skills and fundamentals of the Carlton AFLW and all players involved within the Academy.

Encompassing both its AFL and AFLW programs, the Club has invested heavily into its Carlton Academy program over the past few years, to ensure it is one of the best resourced NGA Academies.

Involved with Sydney from a young age as a player, Perris was the first player recruited as a graduate of the Swans Academy in 2013, before he later transitioned into coaching. He served as a development coach for the Swans from 2019 to 2021, before becoming the senior assistant coach of GWS’ AFLW team from 2021 to 2023.

Away from football, Perris also holds a Bachelor of Education and is currently completing a Master of Education in Sports Coaching.

“It’s a significant coup for our AFLW program and Carlton Academy to bring in Lloyd to play a lead development role,” General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said.

“Lloyd’s lived experience as an academy and AFL athlete - as well as his teaching and coaching experience - is going to be a great asset for both programs.

“He will have a key focus on younger players, enabling them to expand on their skills and applying them to how they can best go forward off and around the field.

“With his high developmental focus and a strong understanding of both the AFLW landscape plus emerging talent, we believe he will have the great ability to positively impact both programs.

"The Club is really pleased with the establishment of our Carlton Academy and strongly believes it is well-positioned to make a meaningful and holistic impact within a regional area, specifically across talent development, game development and community engagement.

“Current AFL players Ben and Lucas Camporeale alongside AFLW players Meg Robertson and Sophie McKay are great examples of the greater alignment between our Academy and our elite-level programs.

“Lloyd will help to continue to strengthen and accelerate individual player development within both programs.”