Allan Dunlop has been announced as the new Emmaus St. Leo’s OCFC Women’s Senior Coach for the 2022 VAFA Season. Dunlop will take over the reigns after inaugural coach Roy Fenton stepped down from the role after 4 seasons at the helm.
Coming from Thornton-Eildon FNC Women’s team in the AFL Outer East, the opportunity to challenge himself back in a metro league like the VAFA was too great to ignore, after leading his previous club to finals in 2019.
“I actually used to play in the VAFA and played against the club so I know what it’s like being in this league, but to coach in it is a different story. To coach closer to Melbourne is such a drawcard.”
Speaking on his appointment, Dunlop stated his main aim was to bring a winning culture to the women’s side of the Animals. The Animals women are coming off a shortened and disrupted season which saw them move divisions after 5 rounds, and only secure a solitary win.
“I’m looking to rebuild of sorts, to get some wins on the board and see where we can go from there.”
Dunlop was announced to the club by Club President Glen Davis at the Presentation Night at the end of October.
“I cannot wait for Allan to start and get the team going, myself and the committee have confidence he will be able to achieve great things.”
Another lure for Dunlop was the support of the Animals Family, with “..the idea of a larger support group and bigger club is very exciting for me”.
Dunlop will be supported as part of the coaching team by the men’s coaching panel, as well as a playing assistant coach he plans to bring from his previous club.
Speaking about his own style, Dunlop said he was not one to “scream and rant” but rather instil a level of determination and hard work into his sides which see them overcome adversity on the field when it arises, as well as working around a strong strategic base.
“I’ve got a plan for the pre-season both pre and post christmas that I feel will have the team ready to go for round 1”.
Pre-Season training begins for the entire club next Monday at Bennettswood Reserve, where Dunlop will lead his new chargers for the first time around the training paddock.