Aasta O’Connor

Another new addition to the coaching group is Aasta O’Connor who joins as a development coach. O’Connor won four premierships with the Darebin Falcons before being signed to the Western Bulldogs AFLW side where she was part of the 2018 premiership. In 2019 she moved to Geelong, where she played a further 20 games before retiring and focusing on a move into the coaching space. As well as being manager of the AFL Women’s Academy from 2018–2019, she was Senior Coach for the PEGS Senior Girls side and assistant coach for the St Bernards A Grade Men’s side before accepting the role of development coach at Carlton.

Aasta O’Connor remains at Carlton as a development coach after joining in season seven. Originally part of the Western Bulldogs’ AFLW side where she was a premiership player, she previously played for the Darebin Falcons where she won four premierships. The first-hand experience O’Connor brings as a retired premiership player as well as her previous coaching roles for PEGS Senior Girls side and assistant coach for the St Bernards A Grade Men’s side is an incredible asset to the Club and enhances the high-performing nature of the AFLW program. Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said the Club was pleased with the new, high calibre of staff brought into the AFLW program. “Each new appointment brings forth unique experiences and knowledge that will be instrumental in bringing to life a high-performing and elite AFLW side,” Lloyd said.

“We are continually improving our program and giving our players every opportunity we can to succeed. “Mathew Buck and Ash Naulty have brought in coaches that each have a passion for and proven success in growing women’s sport and driving continuous growth and development while upholding high standards within a team. “Attracting coaches with these skillsets and experience to our AFLW football program is a significant step forward and we look forward to seeing their relationships with the playing group flourish over the pre-season.”

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