Assistant coach Lisa Webb will depart the Western Bulldogs, after accepting the AFLW head coach position at Fremantle Football Club.

Webb took charge of the Dogs’ midfield in season seven, moving across the country to expand on more than 10 years of coaching experience.

Prior to her stint at the Kennel, she served as an AFLW assistant coach at Fremantle and played six games for the AFLW Dockers in 2018.

“It was an extremely difficult decision to leave the Bulldogs and this playing group, but the opportunity to be a head coach is something I’ve been striving for,” Webb said.

“I feel like we developed closely together here along the way – it’s a fantastic group and program – but the chance to work with a group I’ve worked with before and know well was too good of an opportunity.

“What makes me really happy is that this group is led by Burkey – he’s been incredible in my development and I’ve learnt an enormous amount from him over the last season.

“This Club is in a great direction, led by Burkey, Ameet and Granty, and the girls are just fantastic. I’ll be watching on from afar with great interest as I know they have great things ahead of them.”

Bulldogs’ Executive Director of Football Chris Grant said it was bittersweet to see Webb depart.

“As disappointing as it is to lose Lisa, we’re extremely proud to have played a part in her development as a senior coach,” Grant said.

“As a Club, we’ve never shied away from our commitment to fostering and providing opportunities for more women to be involved in coaching at the highest level.

“To have now had three of our former AFLW assistants – including Natalie Wood (Essendon AFLW) and Mel Hickey (Geelong Falcons) – move into head coaching positions, shows we are bringing quality people in to support our program and creating a strong pathway for women who strive to be senior coaches.

“We wish Lisa all the best with the move back to WA, and thank her greatly for the support she has provided to Nathan Burke and the impact she had on our playing group.”

The Bulldogs will begin the search for a replacement AFLW assistant coach in due course.

Lisa’s partner Marc, who joined the Club’s coaching panel at the end of 2021, will continue his role as AFL Stoppages and Opposition Analysis Coach in 2023.