The Western Bulldogs will debut an all-female assistant coaching line-up on Saturday night against Melbourne, in what is understood to be a league-first.
With forwards coach Dylan Roberton unavailable this weekend, development coach and VFLW head coach Kirby Bentley will assume his role in the annual Hampson-Hardeman Cup.
Bentley joins Natalie Wood (mids) and Mel Hickey (backs) in the coaching panel, led by senior coach Nathan Burke.
“I coach from the boundary line because I know they’ll have everything covered in the coaching box,” Burke said.
“Because I’m not up there, they do have extra responsibilities – but I’m pretty fortunate to have a group of this calibre supporting me.
“It’s a great opportunity for KB (Bentley) also - since arriving at the Kennel she has settled in seamlessly, and has made such an impact on our program.”
Tomorrow’s game will also be the 12th instalment of the Hampson-Hardeman Cup, created by the Bulldogs and Dees as two of the competition’s inaugural clubs.
The Cup is named after women’s football pioneers Barb Hampson and Lisa Hardeman, the latter who was also recently announced as the 2022 NAB AFLW Premiership Cup ambassador.
“To be having three female assistant coaches in a round as special as the Hampson-Hardeman Cup is just fantastic,” General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee, said.
“Here at the Bulldogs, we are committed to giving women opportunities at senior level, and this is just another example of that.
“We’re excited that KB is stepping up, and can’t wait for our 2022 season to get underway tomorrow night at VU Whitten Oval.”
The first bounce will be at 7pm and broadcast live on Channel 7.
