Crocker wins AFLW coach of the year

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos senior coach Darren Crocker has been named the 2024 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year.

Crocker was recognised for leading his team to its first AFLW minor premiership and a second consecutive Grand Final appearance. The award reflects his performance across the 2024 AFLW season, considering team management, player talent, resources, and on-field results.

“This award has everyone in our program’s fingerprints on it,” Crocker said. “So, thank you to our whole program and thank you to the other coaches and AFL Coaches Association for the recognition.”

Crocker, who has been at the helm since 2021, secured this honour for the first time in his career.

AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson praised Crocker’s achievements, saying, “What a great season for Crock and a wonderful recognition of his coaching performances. For the second year, he has got his team to the AFLW Grand Final.”

Nicholson added, “Crock is always looking to improve himself and his team, and I applaud him and his coaching team for their season and being recognised by his peers with this award.”