CARLTON will be led into its first AFLW Grand Final with former player Daniel Harford at the helm.

And the Blues may have the old arch-enemy to thank for his transition to a senior coach.

It was in his first 12 months as assistant coach at Collingwood where Harford said he “fell in love” with women’s football.

Fast-forward to now, and the 162-gamer is one game away from leading Carlton to premiership glory.

“I never thought I’d be involved in women’s footy — up until three years ago, I didn’t know what it was,” Harford said on SEN’s Whateley.

“I got the phone call from the football manager at Collingwood and he asked if I wanted to be assistant coach at the Pies.

“The scratch I needed to itch was scratch again. I loved everything about what women’s football was — the attitude of the players, the environment of the whole competition and the good will from the community.”

This Sunday we have a chance to make history.#BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/0yF94i5bvq — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 26, 2019

At the conclusion of the second AFLW season, Harford decided to take the punt in applying for the Carlton job — a punt which was ultimately successful.

He said the chance to put his ideals into practice and lead the way is something which has been “unbelievably satisfying”, especially with a Grand Final to come.

“I didn’t know if I’d get it, but I was really pleased because I wanted to see if what I thought the AFLW should be played could be played,” he said.

“I’m very excited. To see what the girls have been able to produce and to give themselves the chance to be in this position… I’ve loved every minute so far.

He said the initial challenge was regaining the confidence that was there before season two, when Carlton was touted as potential premiership material.

“I was confident that if we kept the list together and topped it with more more talent, we would have a team that was able to be competitive and contend for something,” he said.