Hawthorn Football Club is excited to announce the appointment of Cherie O’Neill as the club’s VFLW senior coach.
O’Neill boasts an impressive coaching resume that has most recently seen her in an assistant coaching role at the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League competition.
With 2021 VFLW Coach Bec Goddard being promoted to the Hawks AFLW senior coaching position ahead of the club’s entry into the competition in Season 7, O’Neill will look to sustain Goddard’s work in building a first-class program for women’s football that allows its players to thrive.
O’Neill’s appointment continues Hawthorn’s proud history of supporting and developing female coaches across the club’s women’s football programs.
Hawthorn GM – VFL & VFLW Daniel Napoli said the club had found O’Neill to be a character of great passion and commitment to her craft.
“Cherie is an experienced coach who has done everything right to now take on this role,” Napoli said.
“It’s the logical next step in her coaching journey.
“She understands the challenge ahead of her, leading a competitive VFLW outfit whilst also having a lens on developing the next wave of future AFLW talent for Hawthorn through our VFLW program.
“We’re really excited to see what Cherie can do in this next step in her coaching career and we believe she will be a great addition to the brown and gold family.”
Hawthorn AFLW Coach Bec Goddard added that O’Neill’s wealth of experience in developing young girls throughout her coaching life will hold her in strong stead in this new position.
“Cherie’s name is held in a really high regard in these development football programs,” Goddard said.
“She has a wonderful understanding of how to get the best out of her players and how to create an environment where people can really grow.
“I’m really excited to work alongside her as we look to ensure Hawthorn makes waves in the women’s football landscape.”
Cherie O’Neill’s coaching history
2021
- Assistant Coach, Bendigo Pioneers (Boys and Girls program)
- Assistant Coach, Vic Country Under 19 girls.
- Head Coach, Vic Country Under 17 girls.
2020
- Head Coach Bendigo Pioneers U/18 girls.
- Appointed Head Coach U/18 Vic Country girls
2019
- Forward line development coach at Essendon VFLW.
- Head Coach – Under 16 girls Vic Country.
2018 – 2019
- Back Line Coach – Bendigo Pioneers U/18 Males.
2017 - 2018
- Development/Bench Coach - Bendigo Pioneers U/18 Males.
2016 - 2017
- Head Coach of Bendigo Women Football Club
