AFLW’s O’Connor re-joins Groves at St Bernard’s

Western Bulldogs AFLW premiership player, Aasta O’Connor, will re-join Paul Groves in 2022 after she was announced as one of two key appointments for St Bernard’s senior men’s side.

O’Connor, who rucked for Groves in the Bulldogs’ six-point win over the Brisbane Lions in the 2018 AFLW Grand Final, is a former AFLW National Head Scout and will oversee the Snow Dogs’ backline next season.

“Aasta brings such a diverse range of skills to our coaching department and our players will benefit significantly from her unbridled energy and expertise,” Groves said.

“With her experience in player development, our players can look forward to becoming the best player they can be in our program.”

O’Connor played 32 games for the Bulldogs (12) and Geelong (20) across four seasons in the AFLW after carving out an incredible playing career as an eight-time premiership player with Darebin Falcons (four) and Logan Cobras (four).

O’Connor’s signature comes at the same time the club secured the services of Marcellin champion, Bernie Dinneen.

Dinneen joined St Bernard’s during the 2021 season after parting ways as senior coach of Old Trinity, and he will once again look over a young and exciting midfield group.

“Bernie has an infectious nature and his impact when he arrives in 2021 was instantly positive,” Groves said.

“His passion for football is evident in his standards and appetite for the game and our players loved working with him last year.”

The Snow Dogs won five of their 11 games in 2021 and finished in seventh spot on the William Buck Premier Men’s ladder.

Photo: St Bernard’s