Brisbane Lions AFLW senior coach, CRAIG STARCEVICH has been voted by his peers for the second time as the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year in Season Seven.
Starcevich, who has led the Brisbane Lions women’s team since 2016, was first awarded the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year in 2021, the same year he led the Lions to their first AFLW Premiership.
The Lions finished top of the ladder in Season Seven and continued their winning ways into the finals to secure their fourth AFLW Grand Final appearance in seven seasons after a Preliminary Final win over 2022 Premiers Adelaide. Second place went to Geelong’s Dan Lowther and third place could not be split between Melbourne’s Mick Stinear and Richmond’s Ryan Ferguson.
Deemed to be the best performed senior coach throughout AFLW’s Season Seven, up to and including the preliminary final, Starcevich was voted the winner, having regard for his current season's performance, available resources, player talent and team management.
Starcevich was humbled by the recognition and acknowledged the whole team in accepting the Award.
“I’m humbled to be recognised by my peers as the AFLCA Coach of the Year,”
“It’s recognition of our entire AFLW program; our entire coaching group, our High Performance team, the medical staff, and most importantly, the players," Starcevich said.
“I’m lucky enough to have a fantastic group to coach, and they make turning up to work each week an absolute joy."
AFL Coaches Association CEO, Alistair Nicholson, congratulated Starcevich on his season and receiving his second AFLW Senior Coach of the Year Award.
“Craig’s relationship focus and development approach to coaching has seen him bring the team together for another successful season finishing top of the ladder and headed into the Grand Final this weekend.”
“Over seven seasons Craig’s coaching has been of a high and consistent calibre which has resulted in great team connection, a Premiership and numerous Grand Final appearances, and to being recognised by his peers twice as the Coach of the Year,” Nicholson said.
“I applaud Craig on his coaching performances and being recognised as the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Coach of the Year for Season Seven.”
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