Carlton appoints Daniel Harford as AFLW coach for 2019 season

DANIEL Harford has been confirmed as Carlton’s new AFLW coach after the club parted ways with inaugural coach Damien Keeping at the end of the competition’s second season.

Daniel Harford will coach Carlton’s AFLW side in 2019. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

DANIEL Harford is the new Carlton women’s coach.

The former Hawk and Blue was on Monday night confirmed as the Blues’ new AFLW coach after the club parted ways with inaugural coach Damien Keeping at the end of the competition’s second season.

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Harford, who worked at Collingwood as an assistant coach throughout the recent AFLW season, said he planned to draw on both his time at the Magpies and his previous coaching experience at Balwyn and St Kevin’s.

“I relished my time in the AFLW system this year and it opened my eyes to the opportunities and challenges presented by women’s football,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the Collingwood Football Club for my time with their program over the past year.

“I have a real passion for developing young football talent, so I hope I can build on the program that has already been established at the Blues, while also leaning on my previous coaching experience.

“I’m elated to continue my football journey at Carlton and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

Daniel Harford (second from right) was an assistant coach at Collingwood. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Carlton finished at the bottom of the AFLW ladder this year, recording just two wins.

Harford — who played nine games for the Blues in 2004 — will continue his media commitments but has assumed the role effective immediately, after it was advertised publicly at the end of March.

The club is also set to announce a new general manager of women’s football, which — with Harford — club chief executive Cain Liddle said will boost the Blues’ female program.

“We went through a thorough process to get the best candidate available and Daniel has significant experience and knowledge across a number of levels in football,” Liddle said.

“There was a strong alignment in his values and teachings and that is what set him apart, so we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Carlton Football Club.”

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