Tamara Hyett, the new coach of the Western Bulldogs AFLW, is optimistic that the program has the resources and infrastructure necessary to make rapid progress.
Hyett comes to the Kennel with a new perspective following a dismal 2023 campaign that saw major roster and staffing changes.
This week, Hyett said to Andy Maher and Andrew Gaze on SEN, “I’ve actually just pulled up to Whitten Oval and I’m looking out over their new high-performance facility which just looks amazing.”
“The players currently have access to unmatched facilities and resources. The Bulldogs had incredible possessions, but you always want more.
“I’m very optimistic that this group will see some really early growth, especially with the staffing resources that the Club is investing in.”
Even though Hyett’s journey to become an AFLW senior coach was unique, her enthusiasm hasn’t diminished.
“I’ve always had a fondness for football; when I was a child, our home overlooked a school located in Melton.” At halftime and quarter time, we used to hop the back fence and give Dad a kick, the girl said.
It’s always been a desire, but there wasn’t a road to pursue it when I’m talking about thirty or more years ago. I’m not even talking about underage drinking for ladies at this point.
“I used to go on tours with a football team and kick around on practice fairways and in various towns with a few of the Australian caddies.”
After returning from a foreign trip in 2011–2012, I worked at Golf Victoria for a while and became a member of the St Kilda Sharks. That seemed like a terrific way to meet people and begin teaching with the VFLW team. Later, I was able to secure a job with the Sandringham Dragons.
“At the time, I thought I was going for the Talent ID job, but then they asked if I could head up their program. So, I moved into the Melbourne AFLW program and coached the Dragons for three years while I was working at Golf Vic.”
According to Hyett, adaptability and quickness will be some of the Dogs’ program’s main priorities in 2024.
Since 16-a-side football seems to be here to stay, I believe having players who can fill many roles will be crucial.
The way we can maximize our speed, both with and without the ball, will undoubtedly determine how the game develops, in my opinion. It’s thrilling.
The last week of August will mark the start of the 2024 NAB AFLW Season, with pre-season training beginning on Monday, June 3.
