Coburg ready to enter women’s team for first time, names coach

Historic VFL club Coburg is set to enter women’s football with an ambitious new program that it hopes will attract some high-quality talent and the Lions have named the coach to lead the way.

Coburg will launch its first women’s program next season and has found the man to lead it.

The Lions hope to enter the VFL Women’s competition as soon as 2021 and have appointed Liam Cavanagh as senior coach.

Cavanagh crosses to Piranha Park from Strathmore where he was assistant coach for the senior men’s and women’s team, head coach of the under-18 girls team and coach of the Essendon District under-15 girls interleague team.

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The 25-year-old played VFL football at Box Hill before stints with Sunshine and the Mores in the EDFL.

Cavanagh said he was looking for an opportunity to build a program from the ground up.

“It’s a surreal experience to be a part of what’s going to be history making,” he said.

New Coburg women's coach Liam Cavanagh. Picture: Supplied

“It’s one of those things that if we do it right the first time it can last forever.

“That’s exactly what we’re planning to do, build the culture, instil the Coburg values, and then no matter who comes through over the next 100 years – as long as the men’s program has been going – it will be the same.”

“I’ve found that working with girls that are so hungry and keen to get as much out of their footy career also got the best out of me.”

The Lions are aiming to join the VFLW as soon as next season.

Cavanagh said he was targeting “five or six established VFLW players” to build the team around for next season.

Coburg’s affiliation with NAB League club Calder Cannons will provide a steady stream of elite underage talent.

Liam Cavanagh in action for Strathmore last year.

The make-up of the league for next season remains an unknown with the AFL yet to determine the 2021 structure.

Irrespective of the AFL’s decision, Coburg general manager Sebastian Spagnuolo is confident the club can provide an environment that breeds success.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have someone like him join our club. He’ll be a fantastic asset for the club,” he said.

“The program we’re build is a VFLW program, so girls that want to play at a higher level with great coaching then our club will be a fantastic option.

“Our role as a VFL club in the region is to help develop and work with local teams and we’ll continue to do that where possible as well.

“We’re aiming to go straight into the VFLW but we’re mindful of what that might look like.

“There’s the potential that our first women’s team begins as a VFLW program but playing in a local competition for one or two years as we build.”