Melbourne has announced a promotion for 2025 Casey coach Taylor Whitford.
Whitford will in 2026 take on the role as head of development after guiding Casey to the VFL semi finals this season.
He has been at the helm of the state league side for three seasons, with Casey making finals in two of those years, missing in a 2024 season where they were ravaged by injury.
Whitford was also part of the coaching panel for the VFL vs SANFL State League match this year, while playing an integral role in Casey’s 2022 flag as senior assistant coach under Mark Corrigan.
Melbourne GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said the club was thrilled to give Whitford this opportunity.
“Taylor has been part of both our AFL and VFL program for a number of years now, and has built some incredibly strong relationships throughout this time,” Richardson said.
“His communicative skills, passion for growth and strong football IQ make him the perfect fit for this role, which will see him work closely with the young players on our list.
“This appointment is testament to the work Taylor has put in since arriving at the club, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he can have on our players’ careers.”
Whitford started his coaching career at North Launceston, leading them to flags in 2018 and 2019 after playing in three.
Casey Footy Operations manager Gary O’Sullivan spoke of the impact that Whitford has had at Casey since arriving.
“We’ve seen the growth of him as a coach,” O’Sullivan said.
“We all rate Taylor really highly; he has a great grasp on the game, can be firm and is a teacher by trade.
“To appoint a guy so young shows that they see what we see in him as a leader, and this is only the beginning for him.
“Who knows what the future holds for him.
“He’ll continue to climb further up the pole at an AFL club, I have no doubt.”
Melbourne is currently advertising for a coach for Casey in 2026.
