Carlton has finalised its AFLW coaching panel for next season, with Brad Fisher and Steven Salopek signing on as assistant coaches for the Club’s 2019 campaign.
Under the leadership of senior coach Daniel Harford, the pair joins senior assistant Shannon McFerran who has transitioned to the AFLW program after coaching the Club’s inaugural VFLW side this year.
Recording 99 games for the Blues between 2003 and 2010, Fisher returns to Ikon Park in a new capacity, ready to take the reins of the team’s forward line. Qualified as a Level 2 Coach, the much-loved clubman spent two years as West Adelaide’s Performance Manager in the SANFL, four years as an assistant coach at Dalyston and currently holds the role of Head of Alumni at the AFLPA.
Brad Fisher played 99 games for Carlton between 2003 and 2010. (Photo: AFL Media)
Taken with pick No.6 in the 2002 national draft, Salopek played 121 games for Port Adelaide across nine seasons and appeared in two finals series, including the 2007 grand final. Since retiring, Salopek has remained involved in the football community, coaching and developing young talent alongside Harford at St Kevin’s College. The 33-year-old has been assigned to the Blues’ backline and will give guidance to captain Bri Davey, Gab Pound and new draftee Jayde Van Dyk.
After spending a year in the AFLW system at Collingwood in 2017, McFerran was appointed Carlton’s VFLW senior coach in May this year. With a decorated playing career spanning more than a decade and a strong background in teaching, the 10-time All Australian will continue to have a positive impact on the playing group as the senior assistant takes charge of the midfield.
Further strengthening its women’s program, Carlton has also appointed Adam Dancey to the newly established role of Skill Acquisition and Development Coach, while Julia Chiera takes the position of Player Welfare Manager.
Holding the role of WA State Academy Head Coach – Female Programs, coupled with his time spent as senior assistant with the WA State under-18 Women’s, Dancey has more than 18 years of experience in high performance programs and coaching, and will look to aid the development of the group.
As both a trained social worker and premiership player with the Darebin Falcons, Chiera brings a wide cross section of skills to her role as Player Welfare Manager. A former president of Darebin Football Club, Chiera has also held coaching roles at the Falcons and is touted as an influential figure in women’s football.
Julia Chiera has had an influential career in women's football. (Photo: Supplied)
GM of Women’s Football Nicole Graves said she was delighted with the Club’s new-look coaching quartet.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Brad and Steven on board this season and with our refined coaching panel now finalised, we believe we’ve assembled an experienced and qualified group to take this team forward in 2019,” Graves said.
“Heading into the third season of the competition we know what’s required to compete at the top level, so Daniel and the assistant coaches will be striving to develop our players, implement a more attacking style of play and create an environment where our players can succeed.
“Brad has been assigned to our forward line, which will see him work closely with Darcy Vescio, Tayla Harris and Georgia Gee, while Steven will help mature our defensive unit and guide the likes of Bri Davey, Gab Pound and newcomer Jayde Van Dyk.
“As a former midfielder herself, Shannon is well equipped to take control of the midfield group, and with the additions of draftees Maddy Prespakis and Abbie McKay, this will be an important role as we look to strengthen our depth in the middle.”
In addition to finalising the 2019 AFLW coaching panel, Graves was excited with the appointments of Dancey and Chiera – reinforcing the Club’s investment in its women’s program.
“I’m also really rapt to welcome Adam Dancey as Skill Acquisition and Development Coach and Julia Chiera as our Player Welfare Manager,” Graves said.
“Adam will play a vital part in the program by focusing on improving our players’ skills, while with Julia’s support, I have no doubt every member of our squad will get the best out of themselves.”
With pre-season scheduled to start on Wednesday 14 November, Graves said she’s looking forward to the players coming together as a team.
“I can’t wait for pre-season to start and officially kick off our 2019 campaign – I know we’re all up for the challenge next year, so let the hard work begin.”
Carlton’s 2019 AFLW Coaching Panel
Senior Coach – Daniel Harford
Senior Assistant Coach (Midfield) – Shannon McFerran
Assistant Coach (Backline) – Steven Salopek
Assistant Coach (Forwards) – Brad Fisher
Skill Acquisition and Development Coach – Adam Dancey
