The Carlton Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Luke O’Shannessy as its VFLW coach.
O’Shannessy arrives at the Blues having gained nine years of experience in football coaching and administration, spanning from local level to elite development programs.
He was an assistant coach at VIC Metro Under 16s Boys and Girls, while also being the Head Coach of the Oakleigh Chargers NAB League Under-16 Boys and Under-18 Girls sides.
Since 2016, O’Shannessy has been the NAB League Female Talent Pathways Coach at the Chargers and said he was delighted to join the Game Changers.
“Carlton has a high performing program with an unwavering commitment to developing their talent from within, which makes this role really exciting, and I hope to play my role and add value where I can,” O’Shannessy said.
“The VFLW is the such an important competition for the development of our players and the women’s game as a whole. To have this season now run concurrently with the AFLW gives the many young, talented players on our list every motivation to push for senior selection in 2021.
“Increased connections with our aligned NAB League regions will ensure clearer pathways with greater opportunity for aspiring young athletes across the 2021 season.
“This is a great opportunity and I could not be happier to be joining the Carlton family.”
You didn't REALLY think he was gone, did you?
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) November 23, 2020
We'd like to introduce you to our newest AFLW - and VFL - assistant coach, but we think you're already familiar with @kadesimpson6. ??
His appointment means Carlton has now finalised its AFLW coaching team for the 2021 season.
AFLW Senior Coach Daniel Harford will lead a quality coaching staff that will look to help the playing group go to a new level in 2021.
As announced earlier today, Club champion Kade Simpson has joined the Game Changers alongside fellow assistants Steven Salopek, Lauren Morecroft and AFLW skill acquisition coach Wayne Schultz.
Simpson will replace his former teammate Brad Fisher who has stepped away from his coaching role due to personal commitments while Shannon McFerran and Adam Dancey have also departed the Club.
Blues GM of Women’s Football Ash Brown said the Club was delighted to finalise its 2021 coaching staff with the appointment of O’Shannessy.
“Luke is a great addition to our coaching team for next season, bringing with him a wealth of experience in developing talent, which is a cornerstone of our VFLW program,” Brown said.
“We want to provide our playing group with an elite environment that encourages them to get the best out of themselves as people as well as players. Our coaches obviously play a significant role in that and we could not be happier with the quality coaching staff we have been able to bring together.
“With pre-season now underway, our sights are firmly set on working hard to ensure we give ourselves every possible chance to make the 2021 season an enjoyable one for our members and supporters.
“We would also like to thank Brad, Shannon and Adam for all their hard work and contribution to our football club, their commitment to the program was first class and we wish them all the best for the future.”
2020 Carlton AFLW Coaching Structure
AFLW Senior Coach Daniel Harford
Assistant coach (defence) Steven Salopek
Assistant coach (forward) Kade Simpson
Assistant coach (midfield) Lauren Morecroft
AFLW skill acquisition coach Wayne Schultz
VFLW Senior coach Luke O’Shannessy
VFLW assistant coach Tom Stafford
VFLW Assistant Coach Marie Napoli
