North Melbourne Tasmania Kangaroos’ AFLW Senior Coach Darren Crocker has been awarded the 2024 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year. Crocker, who has been at the helm since 2021, received 43 votes to secure the accolade.
Under Crocker’s guidance, the Kangaroos had an outstanding season, finishing with 10 wins, no losses, and one draw. The team demonstrated resilience throughout the finals, overcoming every challenge to secure their second consecutive Grand Final appearance. They are now set to face Brisbane, aiming to claim their first AFLW Premiership and avenge last year’s Grand Final loss to the same opponent.
Crocker was recognized as the best-performing senior coach based on factors such as the team’s season performance up to the preliminary final, available resources, player talent, and team management. Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich finished second with 30 votes, while Port Adelaide’s Lauren Arnell placed third with 13 votes.
In accepting the award, Crocker acknowledged the collective effort behind the team’s success:
“This award has everyone in our program’s fingerprints on it. So, thank you to our whole program and thank you to the other coaches and AFL Coaches Association for the recognition.”
AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson praised Crocker’s achievements:
“What a great season for Crock and a wonderful recognition of his coaching performances. Crock is always looking to improve himself and his team, and for the second year has got his team to the AFLW Grand Final. I applaud him and his coaching team for their season and being recognised by his peers with this award.”
As the Kangaroos prepare for the Grand Final against Brisbane this weekend, Crocker and his team are focused on securing their maiden AFLW Premiership.
