THE CARLTON Football Club is delighted to announce that defender Nic Newman has joined the AFLW program as an assistant coach.
A resolute defender in his own right, Newman will take charge of the backline at the Game Changers, in a role that has rewarded the impressive coaching credentials he has showcased within the four walls of IKON Park in recent seasons.
After a serious patella injury cut short Newman’s 2020 AFL season, he used that year to take on the role of defensive coach for the Club’s AFL reserve side in last year’s practice matches and engaged in one-on-one coaching with players.
That period of time not only lit the coaching fuse in the 28-year-old but caught the attention of the Club’s AFLW program.
Newman said he was excited to continue his coaching journey with the Game Changers.
“I’ve loved my experience coaching so far, speaking with Kade Simpson, I know this is a great group and program to be part of, so I’m really grateful for the opportunity to work with these group of players and I can’t wait to get to work,” Newman said.
"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my coaching experience last season with the reserve side and look forward to take that to the next level alongside Harf and the other coaches here.
“To be able to come in and work with such a great group is exciting, I already see around the Club that their work ethic is second to none.”
The 2022 AFLW coaching panel is now complete with Daniel Harford remaining as Senior Coach, heading up a coaching group with knowledge gained through a combined 790 games at the elite level. Kade Simpson remains forwards coach, Steven Salopek has moved to the midfield coaching role with Shaun Hampson the new ruck coach and Wayne Schultz continuing as development coach.
Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro said Newman would make an instant impact on the Game Changers.
“We are thrilled to have Nic on board with our women’s side and it goes to show how closely our AFL and AFLW programs work together,” he said.
“Nic will fit right into our coaching line up and will be a huge asset to our defenders.
“Our coaching staff as a whole have a significant amount of AFL experience among them with nearly 800 games at the elite level, which will only enhance the environment we aim to provide at the Club.
“We truly believe this group of coaches really complement the strong leadership we have amongst the playing group lead by our recently announced leadership group including captain Kerryn Harrington and co vice-captains Darcy Vescio and Elise O’Dea.”
The Carlton AFLW season kicks off at IKON Park against Collingwood on Sunday 9 January at 4:10pm.
