By Tara Murray
John Tate has been appointed Keilor’s coach for next year’s Northern Football League Women’s season.
Tate takes over from the club’s inaugural women’s coach Emma Kerry, who has taken up a position as assistant coach for Carlton’s VFLW side.
Keilor has had a successful introduction into women’s football, playing in the NFL division 1 grand final this year after claiming the Western Region and Essendon District Football League’s Women’s premiership in their first year.
Tate said he was looking forward to next season.
“I’ve been involved with Keilor as both a player and coach for a number of years,” he said. “I was keen to step up with Emma moving on and want to pass on some of my knowledge.”
Tate most recently coached the Blues under-19 boys team.
This will be his first women’s coaching role, but he has been involved in Overnewton College’s school program.
Many of those players at Overnewton are part of Keilor’s junior ranks.
Tate, who is a personal trainer, said his job would help him in his new role.
“Emma came in with a different background from me football-wise,” he said.
“I’ll look to bring in some of the processes, I’ve learnt under Mick McGuane [Blues senior coach].”
Tate said the Blues were likely to lose a few players from this year’s grand final side, with some looking to test their skills at VFL level.
But he was confident they would maintain their core group of players. The club also has a strong junior program.
The Blues are looking to field a second women’s side again next year. That team played in the Essendon District Football League Women’s competition this year and made finals.
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