The GIANTS have bolstered their AFLW coaching department under new coach Cam Bernasconi to lead the side back to the AFLW finals in season seven.
New Head Coach Bernasconi, who took over from Alan McConnell in April, will have a team of five to support him as the GIANTS enter the new-look 18-team AFLW competition that begins in August.
“We’re really lucky with the coaches that we’ve got,” said Bernasconi.
“We’ve got a quite diverse group, with all of them bringing something different but specific to the needs of this group and the program we’re striving to deliver.”
Joining the AFLW program for the first time is former Collingwood player and experienced coach Georgia Walker, who will take over the backline.
Walker had a short playing career in the early years of the AFLW competition but transitioned to coaching after some issues with concussion.
The 23-year-old has worked alongside Bernasconi in the club’s Academy program with the pair to continue their coaching journey together in the women’s program.
“When we saw there was an opening for a line coach, Georgia was the first person to come to mind. I’ve worked with her for three years in the Academy and I’ve learnt a lot from her,” said Bernasconi.
“She comes with a wealth of knowledge from her time in the Academy as both a coach and welfare manager.
“Her ability to connect with players, but also her understanding of the game, makes her a really good coach. She’s going to add a lot of value to our program.”
Walker becomes the third female coach to work in the GIANTS’ AFLW program.
“I think the great thing around the expansion and the AFLW is, yes, there are more playing opportunities but there are also more coaching opportunities,” Bernasconi said.
“Georgia is just a really good coach, and we’re excited to have her as part of our program.”
Senior Assistant Coach Lloyd Perris will return for a second season, with the former Swans rookie and Development Coach in charge of the midfield.
Jon Vlatko will continue to lead the forwards, with the East Coast Eagles Life Member overseeing the line since 2019.
Darren Rattan, who was previously the backline coach, will continue as a Development Coach and work with the rehab group in the AFLW program to balance his involvement across both the GIANTS’ VFL and AFLW programs.
Club runner Ash Moeller has also expanded his involvement with the club, working as a Development Coach primarily with the first and second-year players.
“We have quite a young group and have drafted some quality young talent, so we wanted to make sure we’ve got the resources in place to make sure we’re getting the best out of them,” Bernasconi said.
The GIANTS are well into preparations for season seven of the NAB AFLW competition, with the competition set to begin in the last weekend of August
