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

Female football player leaves her mark

Staff ReporterMelville Gazette

Not content to operate as a midfield coach for South Fremantle Football Club’s league and reserves teams, 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.

Cowan, 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.

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

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‘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.

‘I am excited about what we achieved last year and really keen