New VFLW senior coach Travis Cloke is confident in his fresh-faced group as they look to defend their 2022 Premiership.
The 2023 edition of Essendon’s VFLW side will have a new look after half of its historic Premiership-winning team were drafted into AFLW sides.
Despite the change to his playing group, Cloke remains confident and is embracing the challenge of becoming the ‘hunted’ team in the competition.
“It’s a new look list and new look coaching staff. We’re embracing change, but at the same time, we’re really confident with where we’re sitting right now,” Cloke said.
“We never know how we’re tracking until we play games, but right now I’m confident in the ability we have in some of our youth, and also some of our original players we’ve retained since the 2022 season.”
A former Premiership player and two-time All-Australian, Cloke joined the Bombers late last year as VFLW senior coach.
In his first season, Cloke comes to the club with a wealth of experience, playing 256 games at AFL level, as well as coaching the under-17 and under-19 female and male Eastern Rangers programs over the past two years.
As he embraces his new challenge as an Essendon senior coach, Cloke has enjoyed multiple facets of his first VFLW pre-season.
“It’s been outstanding, obviously it’s a new challenge for me, as well as new challenges off the back of the 2022 Premiership side. But we’re tracking along nicely, to be honest we’re just looking forward to playing games,” Cloke said.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge as a coach.”
As the 2023 AFLW season is yet to be determined, many senior-listed players will filter through the VFLW side throughout the season.
“We’re going to navigate some of our AFLW players coming back at some stage for some development and also growth, which will compliment our younger players really well,” Cloke said.
With round one just around the corner, excitement is building for the season, and Cloke is energised and eager for what’s to come.
“I’m loving the environment. I’ve been around football for a long time, but I really genuinely come to work with a smile on my face, we’ve got a fantastic bunch of athletes to work with and also staff, so I’m very fortunate in that space,” Cloke said.
“It’s exciting and hopefully everyone can get around it and support the Essendon football club, but more importantly the women’s space.”
