The Western Bulldogs confirm AFLW assistant coach Kate McCarthy will depart the Kennel for a new opportunity in the sports media landscape.
McCarthy worked with the Bulldogs forward line in 2023, after retiring from a playing career that included 42 AFLW games across three clubs.
The Club’s Executive Director of Football, Chris Grant, said that while it was a shame to lose someone of her calibre, he understood McCarthy’s decision to focus on her media career at this point in time.
“We’re obviously sad to see Kate step away from coaching, but we understand this is a great opportunity for her to further her career as a sports media broadcaster,” Grant said.
“We thank her for her contributions to the club over the past 12 months and wish her all the very best as she takes on this new challenge.
"We look forward to seeing her around the grounds and on our screens.”
McCarthy said it was a difficult decision and a bittersweet feeling to be bidding farewell to her coaching role at the Bulldogs.
"I am going to miss working with this incredible group of women who I have formed great relationships with over the past season of AFLW. Unfortunately, the opportunity in media is something I have been working hard towards in the past 6+ years and the offer is something I cannot pass up," McCarthy said.
"I will still remain very invested in the progress of the club as a spectator and will be the first to put my hand up to come back, should I have the opportunity to return to coaching in the future.
"I am so excited to watch the progress of the AFLW team under Tam, who has been a fantastic appointment. I can see she is going to be great for these girls.
"Thank you to the club for the opportunities they have provided me. I wish the Bulldogs nothing but the best in both their AFL & AFLW programs in 2024."
McCarthy will continue to represent the VFLW Bulldogs this season, where she will provide her knowledge and experience in an on-field coaching capacity.
The club will begin the recruitment process for two assistant coaches in the coming weeks, with Shaun Campbell also departing from last year’s coaching line-up.
