Michelle Cowan has plenty of support from her children Albie and Milly.
Camera IconMichelle Cowan has plenty of support from her children Albie and Milly. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Happy in ‘Australia’s game’

Staff ReporterFremantle Gazette

Not content to operate as a midfield coach for the club’s league and reserves teams, Ms Cowan is also about to reprieve her role as head coach of the Melbourne women’s team for the second year running when they take on the Western Bulldogs women on June 29.

The Palmyra resident, who juggles life as a wife, mother and motivational speaker with coaching duties, has also won one of the State’s most prestigious sporting awards, claiming the WA Australian Rules Football Coach of the Year award at the recent 2014 Sports Industry Coaches and Officials Awards to add to her 2013 Football Woman of the Year award.

‘It was an absolute honour to win. WA has some outstanding coaches in our game and to be recognised at this level is very humbling,’ she said.

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With experience coaching both sexes, Ms Cowan said the job remains much the same.

‘There are some differences, as a lot of girls are new to the game but overall coaching is about leading, managing and trying to get the best out of individuals, so gender makes no difference there, just the ability to work well and communicate with people,’ she said.

‘I was excited to be reappointed as Melbourne coach. I have a real connection with Melbourne Football Club and I am excited about what we achieved last year and am really keen to build on this again this year.’

She said it was great to see women get greater recognition on and off the field.

‘We are starting to see a great change in this game now. It’s not a boy’s game or a man’s game, it truly is Australia’s game and it is great to see more women get involved in a variety of roles and levels.’