New Hawks VFLW senior coach Cherie O’Neill says she is excited to lead a competitive side, while also helping to develop the next wave of future AFLW talent for Hawthorn.
The club announced O’Neill’s appointment earlier this week, replacing now Hawthorn AFLW coach Bec Goddard.
Hawks appoint O'Neill as VFLW head coach
“It’s a really exciting time, Hawthorn is an amazing club and I think this is a great step,” O’Neill said.
“Hopefully I can build relationships that’s what I’m after, and really start to build those players ready for that AFLW journey.
“I’m keen to work with Bec in that space, and I’m really excited about getting the program up and running and putting my own spin on it.”
O’Neill boasts a decade-long impressive coaching resume that has most recently seen her in an assistant coaching role at the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League competition.
An avid life-long Hawthorn fan, O’Neill said landing a job at the Hawks was a “dream come true”.
“I’ve really enjoyed women’s football and the passion that women’s football has, so to combine the two is really good,” she said.
“My coaching started a little while back at Bendigo Thunder, I’ve gone through the boys program as well as the women’s – but I think women’s footy definitely has a different type of passion.”
O’Neill’s appointment continues Hawthorn’s proud history of supporting and developing female coaches across the club’s women’s football programs.
Get to know more about Cherie below.
