Western Bulldogs’ General Manager of Women’s Football Debbie Lee will depart the Kennel for a new opportunity at the AFL.
Lee has been appointed National Women and Girls Action Plan Lead at League headquarters.
A pioneer for women’s footy and tireless advocate for females in the elite game, Lee played a key part in the establishment of the AFLW competition prior to starting at the Bulldogs in 2017.
Lee said she was grateful for her time at the Kennel, and will miss the Club dearly.
“It was a privilege to work at the Western Bulldogs, a pioneering, progressive club which is genuine in its commitment to women’s football,” she said.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work with so many amazing people – from the AFLW players and staff right through to administration, ‘Burkey’, ‘Granty’, Ameet and the board. It’s been a wonderful experience for me.
“The 2018 premiership was a highlight, along with observing the growth of our playing group. They are a terrific group of women, who bring a unique energy to the Club.
“I’ll miss being around the place, but under the guidance of Burkey, the coaches and the fantastic support staff, I see a great future for the AFLW team.
"I wish the entire club the very best and look forward to supporting the Dogs on the sidelines."
On the field, Lee’s accolades are plentiful - a six-time All Australian, seven-time club champion, five-time league Helen Lambert Best & Fairest medallist, and a triple premiership player.
She played 302 VWFL (now VFLW) games across the East Brunswick Scorpions and St Albans Spurs – a club she founded which later became the VU Western Spurs.
Off the field, Lee enjoyed further Grand Final success in 2018 with the Bulldogs’ AFLW inaugural flag, became the third woman to be awarded AFL Life Membership, and last year became the first woman inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Bulldogs’ Head of Football, Chris Grant, said while her departure was a loss for the Club, it supported Lee’s decision to embark on a new opportunity that allows her to play a broader and more influential role in advancing the interests of women and girls in our game.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to have had Deb part of the women’s program at the Bulldogs for the last six years,” he said.
“Deb has achieved everything in the game, and she had made an indelible impact on the players, staff and the whole organisation with her continual commitment to the advancement of female football.
“We are grateful for her outstanding contribution to the Bulldogs, and we are pleased to see her continue her influence on a national level through a role with the AFL. We wish her well for the future.”
Lee’s new role at the AFL will be critical in supporting and finding more opportunities for women and girls across playing, coaching, umpiring and administration at all levels of our game.
