THE CARLTON Football Club has appointed Eleni Valos as its new Head of AFLW ahead of the 2026 season.

Valos has been an integral member of the football department since arriving at the Club, first working for the Carlton College of Sport in 2020, before moving into the AFLW program in 2022 as AFLW Football Operations and Compliance Manager.

Across her time at Carlton she has gained well-rounded experience working extensively across the club's AFLW, VFL and AFL programs, most recently leading the VFL program and supporting player wellbeing and football operations at AFL level.

Valos said she was excited to help lead the Club’s AFLW program as it looks to continue its forward progress.

"I couldn't be happier to be back in the AFLW space: the competition and our Club have grown significantly across the last few years and I'm really keen to play my role in further developing our program, our players and our staff,” Valos said.

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Our New Head of AFLW | Eleni Valos

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"I have worked with quality people throughout the program, who have been building an elite and connected environment over a period of time and am looking forward to working together heading into the season.

"Our members and supporters have built a connection to our AFLW program and how we carry ourselves on and off the field, we want to continue to connect with our Carlton family into this year and take that to another level.”

General Manager of Football Chris Davies said the appointment reflected the trust Valos has earned across the Club.

"Eleni has earned the respect of our people across all areas of the Club. She is an incredibly driven person who has worked hard to build her experience to a level where she is ready to confidently lead our AFLW program," Davies said.

"Eleni knows our people, understands our standards and is deeply invested in the environment we are striving to build. She brings a unique combination of expertise, leadership, and care for those around her.

"We are thrilled to have her lead our AFLW program, alongside Mathew Buck, and help build a strong and sustainable program Carlton people can be proud of.