Premiership coach Paul Groves has resigned from his position as the Club’s AFLW head coach.

Groves, who was the inaugural coach of the Club’s elite women’s team in the first season of the AFLW competition in 2017, and led it to the ultimate success in 2018, informed players and staff of his decision this evening.

He leaves after three years as a crucial component of the Bulldogs’ women’s program, to take up an exciting role outside the football industry, in the education sector.

“For a long time, I have been planning for a career in coaching, but following starting a family with my wife Sarah over the past three years, we together made the decision that coaching within the AFL environment, either in a full-time or part time capacity, was not a career I wanted to continue to pursue over the coming years,” Groves said.

“As someone with a long teaching and sporting background, I made the decision over the past few months that I would like to return to pursuing opportunities that combine these two passions of mine.

“Whilst this was a really tough decision to make, I believe it is also in the best interest of my family. I want to be the best dad and husband I can be.

“I also believe it is in the best interest of the Club for me to be proactive with this decision, with the view of allowing them time to work through finding an appropriate replacement during the AFLW off-season period.

“This decision coincided with recently being offered a fantastic opportunity to return to a teaching leadership position.  An opportunity to pursue my passion for teaching and sport, while also providing me with an opportunity to spend more time with my family.

“As a father of two daughters, I feel lucky to have experienced and shared the demands of life with my playing group over the past three years.  It has shaped my parenting for the better.

“I leave proud that my family and I have created many friendships that will last a lifetime. This should be the ultimate aim of sport at any level.

“Through the hard work of all involved, we have a premiership to reflect on, which allows us to catch up and spend further time together in the coming years.

“I am forever in debt to the Western Bulldogs for giving me the opportunity to not only coach, but to help create the Club’s AFLW program in 2016.

“It’s been an amazing ride, and one which I’m extremely lucky to have had the privilege to experience.”

Groves has left a big impact on the Bulldogs’ AFLW program, taking the team from second last in the first season to a fairy-tale premiership the following year.

“Paul has been an outstanding contributor for our women’s football program for the last three years, and he can be proud of everything he has achieved,” said Bulldogs’ Director of Football, Chris Grant.

“After helping to establish our AFLW team for the inception of the competition, he led us to an unforgettable flag, which was a landmark achievement in the Club’s history.

“We understand the fantastic opportunity Paul has been offered to work in the education sector, we respect and support his decision to leave the football industry and we understand this was a difficult decision that was centred around his family and future career.

“We wish Paul and Sarah all the best in his future endeavours, and know that he holds a special place in the history of our women’s football at our Club.”

The Bulldogs will immediately begin its search for a new AFLW head coach, as the Club continues its preparation for the 2020 season.