New female representative coach
With a deep-seated history in the local AFL scene, over the years Connors has very successfully been involved with a number of local clubs and youth representative squads.
Having coached junior teams at Westbrook and then significant involvement in senior football at Pennant Hills and Macquarie University, Connors most recently coached the Division Three Blacktown Magic side to a maiden premiership flag, ultimately granting them promotion to Division Two.
As the first AFL Sydney Women’s team, 2014 will be looked to as a development year, not only for the players, but for the coach as well.
“My expectation for the role is to be able to utilise all the skills and knowledge of the team, efficiently and effectively – I also expect growth personally,” says Connors.
“This a fantastic branding and awareness exercise for female football in Sydney, and will go a long way to showcasing Sydney based talent.”
Describing himself as a “cooperative coach”, Connors is hopeful of providing an environment where players are able to share in the decision making process of the team.
“Initially, it will be all about understanding the players’ expectations and delivering a satisfying game plan that all team members can buy into and enjoy.”
In the coming weeks, Connors will be attending various matches across the competitions to gain a grasp on the current state of the women’s game within AFL Sydney.
Connors will also utilise this time to recognise the standout players and how they could ultimately fit into his selected squad.
“I am always looking for players that are versatile and players that play an exciting brand of football.
“Being such a new area of coaching for me, I am looking forward to developing a greater appreciation for female AFL and all the players involved.”
The Sydney side will travel to StarTrack Oval in Manuka (ACT) on 7 June 2014 and 5 July 2014 to take on AFL Canberra in a 2-game series.
“[Of Canberra] I would expect a great challenge and a well-drilled team.”
Football Operations Manager of AFL Sydney, Matthew Graham is delighted to welcome Connors into this newly established role.
“I am really pleased with the appointment as Dean is an excellent educator with a great coaching record, and being a first time women’s coach, he will add a new dimension to the squad,” says Graham.
“He is also well known in the Sydney football community and being the inaugural AFL Sydney women’s team, having a new perspective is a real positive for the program.”
Full program details including the selection process and training details will be released to clubs in the coming week.
