ON the eve of leading the Carlton Football Club into its first-ever AFLW grand final, senior coach Daniel Harford has been voted by his peers as the inaugural 2019 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year.

In just his first year at the helm, Harford has had an immediate and positive impact, taking a side that finished on the bottom of the AFLW ladder 12 months ago to its maiden AFLW Grand Final appearance on Sunday.

Harford polled the most votes, which was determined by his fellow AFLW coaches, to be awarded the inaugural AFLCA AFLW Senior Coach of the Year.

He was told of the news in front of the playing group by Blues captain Bri Davey on Wednesday night.

After commencing his coaching career in 2008, Harford led local Eastern Football League side Balwyn to a premiership in his first seasonbefore also leading St Kevin’s to victory in 2015 in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

“We had nothing to lose and you have to put everything on the line.”#BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) March 27, 2019

Harford’s first involvement in the women’s program came with Collingwood Football Club, where he was an assistant during the 2018 season.

As a coach, Harford’s knowledge and experience is unquestionable however his key attribute is his passion. His playing group is his family, referring to the players as his daughters: with the emotion and commitment he displays, it is clear to see why.

General Manager of Women’s Football Nicole Graves lauded Harford’s efforts in the 2019 season.

“It has been a terrific season for the girls and Daniel has really driven that, he came in and continued to grow the women’s program and this season the performance has been outstanding,” Graves said.

“Daniel came across from Collingwood with a real love for women’s football and a hunger to provide opportunities and develop the talent here at Carlton.

“Being named AFLW Coach of the Year is a fitting reward for effort and we are confident he will prepare the girls to give them the best possible chance at winning a premiership this Sunday in Adelaide.”