Tara Murray
Altona premiership player Taylor Whitford is the Casey Demons new Victorian Football League coach.
Whitford, who has been the Demons senior assistant coach for the last two seasons, has been promoted to the senior role, replacing Mark Corrigan, who has joined Geelong.
Whitford has previously coached North Launceston in the Tasmanian State League leading them to two premierships.
He also joined the side to two premierships.
Whitford added to his coaching achievements this season, playing a pivotal role in Casey’s drought-breaking VFL premiership victory over Southport.
Melbourne AFL football operations general manager Marcus Wagner said the club was thrilled to appoint one of Casey’s own to the role.
“After a thorough process, we had no hesitation in offering Taylor the senior coaching role, with his coaching philosophy, character and values shining through,” he told Melbourne Media.
“Taylor has worked in our men’s VFL program for the past two seasons, while also working with our AFL program on main training days, so has built some really strong relationships with the playing groups.
“This appointment is a testament to the work Taylor has put in since arriving at Casey. We anticipate a seamless transition for the program and look forward to having him officially start in his new role on November 1.”
Whitford, who is a secondary school teacher by trade, was equally as excited to get started.
As well as being an assistant coach at the Demons this year, Whitford played a key role for the Vikings in their Western Region Football League division 1 premiership.
He played 11 games including the grand final.
“It’s an absolute honour to be the next head coach of Casey,” Whitford told Melbourne Media.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my past two seasons with the Demons and am really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead in 2023.
“It’s a great group of players, coaches and staff and I can’t wait to get started.”
