Taylah Hassett named Geelong’s 2025 VFLW head coach

But it will be through a strong sense of culture where greater on-field success springs for the state league team.

Hassett has taken the reins of the team from Elise Coventry, and does so at just 22.

Straight to work with Geelong – the Cats are in their third and final week of a pre-Christmas training block — Hassett said she wanted to introduce high standards and expectations of the playing group as well as steer a strong culture within the program.

“Coming in with a new perspective I just wanted to make it clear, we had work to do,” Hassett said.

“Creating that culture facilitates on-field performance over time.

“The group’s a really good group, they’re really driven and I think getting to work, we’ll just see where the season takes us.”

Balancing individual player development with overall team goals — the Cats finished bottom of the ladder in 2024 — is also on the cards.

A premiership coach at Grovedale in 2024, Hassett didn’t envisage a VFLW head coaching role presenting itself at her age but took it with both hands, adding “these opportunities don’t come around often”.

She’ll juggle the role with a new job at Barwon Health next year, after recently completing her nursing and midwifery degree, while she may still line up with Grovedale as a player pending fixturing.

Coming through Geelong Falcon first as a player, then as a coach in their U16 and V/Line programs, Hassett is well-versed on the talent program, while her two years coaching Grovedale has given her a look at players coming up in the local competition.

She insisted the standard of female football in region had only grown in recent years.

“To have those connections from local to the talent league program and now the VFLW level is hopefully something I can bring to that program and have an eye over all female footballers across our region,” she said.

“I think the pool of players we have is incredible.

“To highlight that and give those players the opportunity is something I’m really passionate about.”

Of the three VFLW talents to get drafted into the AFLW on Monday, each — Keeley Hardingham, Piper Dunlop and Caitlin Reid — had come through the Falcons/Geelong VFLW programs at some stage, something Hassett hoped gave hope to others trying to reach those same goals.

“That reward is testament to the work they’ve put into the VFLW... and shows you can obviously reach those goals,” she said.

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Two 18-year-old Falcons – Sara Howley and Becca Clottey – also landed at clubs, as Hassett insisted opportunity was there for those who missed out to take the next step through the VFLW.

“The door’s always open for players like that,” she said.

“We definitely have invited and will continue to invite the Geelong Falcons and (GWV) Rebels girls down into our program.
“I think everyone’s pathway to AFLW or wherever they want to end up looks a little different, so hopefully in time we can see those girls come into our program and see where their journey takes them from there.”

Originally published as Taylah Hassett named Geelong’s 2025 VFLW head coach