The Western Bulldogs are planning to launch a female coaching development program, with the aim of ultimately increasing the number of women coaching at the elite level.

The Bulldogs have identified a lack of female coaches currently plying their trade at AFLW clubs, and are committed to ensuring that women are given the coaching experience and opportunity in lower leagues to give themselves the best chance to succeed at the highest level.

The Dogs’ General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee, has vast experience in coaching women’s football over a sustained period, and believes now is the time for the Club to do its part for the future of female coaching in the AFLW competition.

“The players have had four years to build their platform, and while we continue to support them, we need to turn our energy to other areas,” Lee said.

“Coaching is one which is prominent.  We haven’t got enough female coaches. 

“One of the things we’ll be looking to do this year will be to launch a female development coaching program, with the view to fast-track women coaches at a community level and at VFL level, and have some real opportunities and experiences.

“The reality is women coaches just haven’t had the opportunities.  Unfortunately in some cases, they just haven’t had the coaching or the experience, and that’s what we’re going to provide.

“They’re going to have an opportunity to be sustainable in the sport, and we want to encourage women to be coaches.

“But we want them to have longevity in the sport, so that’s where our energy is going to be directed this year, which is a really great result.”