Michelle Cowan has decided to end her tenure as Fremantle coach.
The highly-regarded trailblazer in the women’s game was announced as the Dockers inaugural coach in 2016 and led the club through its first two seasons in 2017 and 2018.
Cowan had been in discussions to extend her contract but ultimately decided to pursue other opportunities.
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich paid tribute to Cowan for her contribution to the club.
“Michelle has played an integral role in laying the foundations for what was the first ever AFLW team in WA,” Rosich said.
“At Fremantle we are very proud to have been granted WA’s first AFLW licence and we thank Michelle for her work both on and off-field. Michelle has made a significant contribution in getting our women’s team up and running and also more broadly to the promotion and participation of women’s football.
“Michelle’s contribution has been evidenced by the energy, passion and enthusiasm she brought to the club and to her role as senior coach of our inaugural AFLW team. We wish Michelle and her family all the very best for the future.”