After enjoying a strong season with Essendon's VFLW squad challenging for a finals berth as a Senior Coach, Cherie O’Neill’s shift into an AFLW development role will provide over a decade’s worth of coaching experience for the side this season.

Most recently before Essendon, O’Neill held the position of VFLW Head Coach at Box Hill across the past two seasons, including leading the team to a finals berth in 2023. 

Before taking the reins at the Hawks, O’Neill has been heavily involved in the Bendigo Pioneers’ girls and boys’ underage programs, having performed the roles of head coach and as an assistant throughout her time at the club.