VFLW senior coach Luke O’Shannessy is optimistic for the upcoming season following Carlton’s practice match last Saturday with the Western Bulldogs.
Despite a disappointing fourth term that saw the Blues fall 14 points behind, O’Shannessy was impressed by the girls’ teamwork throughout the hitout.
“The first practice match of any season is always really nerve-racking, I suppose particularly after the year that was in 2020 and coming into a new club where you're working with a new bunch of people,” O’Shannessy said.
"Ultimately, to win premierships, you need to have the best program in place."
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) November 26, 2020
CEO Cain Liddle shares why the Blues refused to cut the #VFLW program.
“You can do all the training you like but come that first competitive match, you’re not really sure how it's all going to click and work together.
“We weren't able to capitalise maybe as much as we would like to, but the fact that we were still able to hit the scoreboard, show that we can move the ball from back half to the forward half and apply enough pressure on the Bulldogs to make sure they're not kicking away was really pleasing.”
Despite months without a playing a competitive match through Victoria’s lockdown period, there were a number of players O’Shannessy signalled out for their outstanding performances.
The 2021 coaching group has been locked in! ??
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) November 23, 2020
We're pleased to welcome Luke O'Shannessy into the fold as our VFLW Senior Coach.
“Sarah Ingram was playing in the midfield: she was really good. Strong inside midfielder, keeps her feet really well and was a bit of a strong bull in the middle there, so she was she was great,” he said.
“We had one of our senior players Jen Lew play down back. She was a bit of a general and she was instrumental in stopping a lot of the Bulldogs’ attack - so spoiling or intercept marking - and then able to provide some rebounds through there, so that was fantastic.
“Marnie Jarvis played really well as a small defender, showed some really good stuff with tackling and smothering and some of the other defensive acts that she needed to do, which was really pleasing.”
The AFLW and VFLW seasons will run at the same time in 2021.
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) October 29, 2020
A great opportunities for all aspiring AFLW players! ??
O’Shannessy is eager to fine tune the Blues’ game style when Carlton faces North Melbourne in a second practice match at Ikon Park this Saturday.
“I think from our point of view, it's just a chance to play footy, that's probably the overarching message from my end is that everyone's just really excited about being back playing competitive football,” he said.
“They're just extremely excited and they're just loving it. Loving wearing the Navy Blue and training at Ikon and to play at some of the big locations against a really quality opposition.”
