Western Bulldogs AFLW premiership coach Paul Groves has this week signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of the 2020 AFLW season.

Groves was the Dogs’ inaugural AFLW coach and led the Club to its first premiership in March.

While the 36-year-old will lead the AFLW team during the summer months, Paul will now a have dual role supporting General Manager Women’s Football/VFLW Coach Debbie Lee with the Club’s new VFLW team, and will be an assistant coach within the VFL men’s team under coach Steve Grace.

Groves said he was excited to continue working with the AFLW team, and also broaden his experience with the VFL men’s team.

“The last two seasons have been an incredibly rewarding experience watching the girls grow and develop as players and people, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue on this journey,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to working closely with Debbie in the VFLW space, and on top of that, to be a part of the Footscray program with Steve Grace is exciting.” 

Western Bulldogs Director of Football Chris Grant said: “It is very important that our Club’s football programs provide an opportunity for staff and players to grow and develop in their roles with us, and the evolution of Paul’s role is testament to this.”

“As a Club we’re committed to the growth of women’s football across all of our programs, AFLW, VFLW and our Next Generation Academy, and a key part of our continued success in that space is ensuring there’s strong links between our men’s and women’s programs,” he said.

“Paul’s re-appointment and the subsequent broadening of his role is a significant step in that direction.”

Lee said though Groves’ focus will be coaching the AFLW side, he’ll also be a key part of the development of the newly established VFLW team.

“We’re really pleased to have Paul with us for the next two seasons,” Lee said. 

“He’s been an integral part of our recent success and I expect he’ll continue to play an important role with our newly established VFLW side.

“It’s an exciting time to be at the Western Bulldogs Football Club.”