Ms Cowan made history when she became the first female in Australia to coach football at a State level in the men’s competition, working as the midfield coach for the Bulldogs’ league and reserves team, and head coach of the Under 18s State Youth Girls team.
She was also appointed the first female coach of the Melbourne Football Club when they hosted the inaugural female game on the MCG earlier this year.
Ms Cowan said she was a passionate sports person but her first love would always be football.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘I remember going to watch AFL games as a young girl with my dad and brother, a great memory for me, and when it was time to focus on a sport I chose football.
‘I love this game and everything about it,’ she said.
‘I love what the game does; it brings all types of people together on and off the field.’
She was honoured to be nominated, but the recognition of women in Australia’s national sport was the best thing about the award.
‘To be nominated by the WA Football Commission was an absolute honour; then to be announced as a finalist was again an honour to be in such company,’ she said.
‘AFL is Australia’s game so it is only right that we recognised those involved, regardless of gender.
‘Women do play a variety of roles in our game and it’s great that we have events and awards like this to recognise them.’
The winner is named on September 26.