Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich and senior coach of Fremantle’s national women’s league team Michelle Cowan.
Camera IconFremantle chief executive Steve Rosich and senior coach of Fremantle’s national women’s league team Michelle Cowan. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Dockers announce Michelle Cowan as inaugural women’s team coach

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

THE Fremantle Dockers have announced Michelle Cowan will coach its national women’s side.

Cowan will bring a wealth of experience to the fledgling team, with her career kick-started with a run as a WA-based scout and match analyst for Geelong in 2000.

She has previously held roles as senior coach of the WA youth girls team and the WA women’s team, and arrives at Fremantle following a stint as a development coach with the Melbourne Demons.

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“I’m excited to be a part of this football club and moving forward with the national women’s league,” she said.

“Women have been playing the game for over 100 years now and it’s great that we now have a complete pathway and girls get the opportunity to represent an AFL club.

“It’s a big thing, and I’m really grateful for (AFL chief executive) Gillon McLachlan’s leadership on this and making it happen sooner rather than later.

“It’s a really exciting time for the AFL.”

Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said Cowan was the standout candidate.

“We set a premium on securing both a high quality person and experienced coach for what is a crucial role, in the first instance to get the team up and running and for the team’s future success in the longer-term,” he said.

“Michelle was the standout candidate for the position of senior coach of our women’s team.

“Among her many attributes, including coaching experience, knowledge of the game and people management skills, is her proven ability to attract and retain players.”