Charlotte Brewer and Dom Carbone will run out in black and white for the first time at AFLW level this Saturday and no one will be happier to witness it than Tom Cashin.

Cashin, the Club’s VFLW Senior Coach since the start of 2024, has quickly turned the side into one of the competition’s powerhouses, with a Grand Final appearance last season followed by a 9-2 record so far in 2026.

But it’s his penchant for developing young talent and allowing them to go onto the next level, that is perhaps even more impressive.

Brewer and Carbone have become part of 10 players that have been elevated onto AFLW lists since Cashin arrived as coach – the most of any VFLW program in the league.

It’s an achievement that recognises the Club's development program and positive environment and one Cashin is immensely proud of.

“My philosophy has always been on development and helping players make that step up to the next level,” he said.

“I came here at the end of 2023 after spending time at the Western Bulldogs and I loved my time there.

“I think one of my strengths has always been seeing the person as much as the player and that was definitely something I tried to bring over when I started at the Pies.

“To have had 10 players elevated to the AFLW whether at our Club or otherwise has been a privilege to witness and it’s a testament to our program.”

Carbone in particular represents a story of resilience and belief since joining the Club’s VFLW side.

Having spent time on Hawthorn’s AFLW list, Carbone then plied her trade with the Bulldogs VFLW team, where she won the 2024 league Best & Fairest.

She would make the move to the black and white the following year to rekindle her relationship with Cashin, taking her game to the next level as the side’s skipper in the process and staying ready for any chance that might present itself.

“Dom worked really hard,” Cashin said.

“She was in the system but got delisted by the Hawks and then I crossed over with her at the Dogs in 2023.

“One thing we identified for her to take her game to the next level was that her goal-kicking wasn’t as good as it could have been.

“But again, she worked hard on that and before she got the AFLW spot earlier this year she was amongst the best goal-kickers in the VFLW this season.

“She’s going to be able to play mid or forward now at AFLW level because of that. It comes naturally to her playing as a mid, but she can impact straight away and do that as a mid or forward.”

Brewer’s story is slightly different, having been picked up by Carlton last year midway through a strong season for Cashin’s side in the VFLW.

A precociously talented runner throughout her junior career, the Pies’ AFLW recruiters swooped on her when she became available over the off-season – faith she has repaid immediately with selection in this week’s Round 1 team.

“Brewer came to us straight after the Talent League, and we knew she was really fit and could run all day,” Cashin said.

“She was able to have a strong VFLW season last year and get her chance with the Blues, but it worked out really well to have her as part of our senior list at the Pies this year."

Brewer and Carbone are just two of the incredible stories that have come from inside the KGM four walls.

Playing a dual role as AFLW Head of Development on top of his VFLW duties, Cashin knows the reality of his players’ day to day and can’t wait to see two of them live out their dreams.

“I feel like I’ve got a knack at knowing when to challenge or when to listen to someone and be that shoulder to cry on for them,” he said.

“VFLW players, the majority don’t get paid, so it’s a really demanding league.

“Most are doing a full-time job or study and then the expectations are those of professional athletes and for them to be the best version of themselves at trainings and on game day.

“It’s a draining league and season but we have high quality people and they walk into four walls knowing that it’s a caring and loving space.”

The Magpies open their AFLW campaign against Richmond on Saturday, taking on the Tigers at IKON Park.

Head to the Club’s AFLW Hub for all you need to know about an exciting season ahead.