WAFLW: Head coach Farmer calls time as season 2023 comes to a close

Head coach Michael Farmer has announced he’s stepping down from the role in the Women’s program after three seasons.

Having taken on the role ahead of the 2021 season, the Lions made finals immediately under Farmer, before narrowly missing out the next two years.

He said he’s loved his time with the women’s program.

“It’s challenged me immensely but I have learnt so much about myself and my coaching over the past three years,” he said.

“I have made some great friendships as well along the way but to be involved in women’s football has given me so much reward.

“I feel it’s the right time to step away and I’ll always look back fondly on my time coaching some wonderful people.”

In terms of 2023, Farmer conceded the year didn’t end the way he wanted.

The Lions finished a game outside the top four in fifth, with seven wins across the season.

He said despite missing the finals, there are positives to take out of the year.

“The season definitely had its ups and downs, we didn’t finish the season where we felt we should have, missing finals.” Farmer said.

“We also unearthed some great local talent as well as some young and upcoming kids who are going to be so much better for the run.

“Seeing some of the younger players like Olivia Crane, Olivia Wolmarans, Charlotte Newland, Madison Dodd and Eva Popovsky all play State 18’s as well as league games means the future is pretty bright for the club.”

While there’s a healthy level of young talent coming through, some experienced players continued their influence on the competition.

Skipper Tarni Golisano continued to impress, finishing as the competition’s leading disposal getter with 23 touches per game on average.

Veteran Tiah Toth also showed her class, with 18 disposals per game.

Farmer said the experience they bring will hold the side in good stead for the future.

“The more the side plays together, the better they will be and we saw some really exciting games played,” he said.

“It’s equally important that some of the more experienced players stay on to help guide them.

“If this team can stay together I think they will be in finals very quickly.”

Subiaco made the move to recruit from the amateur system, in order to supplement their list.

Farmer said given the talent they were able to require, it was a successful venture.

“With AFLW expanding and also the WAFLW there are so many good players coming through the amateur system,” he said.

“We got players like Grace Hahnel and Eva Popovsky who complimented our side and made an impact straight away.

“We also were pretty lucky to get some really good country players such as Hali Epis (Kalgoorlie) and Fina Dethlefsen (Geraldton).”

It was the first year the Subiaco Women’s was officially recognised under the Lions, as part of the one club model.

It saw the side able to access more resources as part of the club.

Farmer said it was a step in the right direction.

“Like any change, there’s always going to be some teething problems but we saw some great initiatives such as joint training and education sessions,” he said. 

“Having a full time operations manager was also incredibly important in ensuring the program ran smoothly and having a voice for the players to go through is equally important in aligning them to the club.”

Reflecting on his time at the club, Farmer didn’t rule out a return to coaching in some form in the future.

However, he said a few people were important throughout his time at Subiaco.

“I’ll always be grateful of Sarah Michell for giving me the opportunity in 2020 to coach,” Farmer said.

“To the playing groups over the past 3 years and the support staff, I have loved every minute of it and can’t thank all of those people involved enough.

Farmer has shown strong commitment to the program, juggling his coaching with work, and life at home.

However, he said now is the time to focus on his young family.

“Football takes so much of your time in terms of preparation, maintaining relationships and just being available,” Farmer said.

“I’m really looking forward to spending time with my one-year-old daughter and wife Katie.”

The Subiaco Football Club will be seeking expressions of interest to find their next WAFLW head coach in the coming weeks.