Carlton's new VFLW coach Tom Stafford in November, 2021. Picture: carltonfc.com.au

CARLTON has promoted experienced women’s coach Tom Stafford to lead its rebel VFLW team in 2022.

The Blues plumped for their midfield coach of the past two years to replace Luke O’Shannessy after one year in the role.

Stafford arrived at IKON Park in 2020 after leading Marcellin Old Collegians to the inaugural VAFA premiership in 2017 and another grand final in his only two seasons, being named coach of the year in the flag-winning season.

ALL THE VFLW NEWS Check out our state league hub here

He also led VAFA’s representative team in 2019, coached Whitefriars College’s first team for the past three seasons and has served as assistant coach of the Eastern Ranges under-16s.

“I am excited to be back with the team this year in the role of senior coach and hope to continue the outstanding work of Luke O’Shannessy from last season,” Stafford told Carlton's website.

“The VFLW is such an important competition, we want to build a successful program on and off the field, as well as nurturing development of our players.

“We want to provide them with an opportunity to continuously improve and push for senior selection during the season, so pre-season in January cannot come soon enough.”

Twitter: @BRhodesVFL