Fremantle’s coaching team announced today ahead of the inaugural AFLW season boasts a wealth of football knowledge and experience.
Supporting head coach Michelle Cowan will be one of Fremantle’s favourite sons Paul Hasleby, returning to the club as one of four assistant coaches for the women’s team.
Cowan will also have a familiar face in her coaching group in Martine Pearman, who has worked with Cowan in an assistant role for Melbourne during the women’s AFL exhibition matches over the past few years.
As 2016 head coach of the Coastal Titans in the WAWFL, Pearman is already well known to Fremantle’s AFLW list, which boasts eight Titans, with a majority of the remainder all playing for opposing WAWFL sides.
South Fremantle reserves coach Tony Walters and former West Perth colts coach Craig Thomas round out Cowan’s coaching team.
On top of his football knowledge, Walters has a wealth of experience coaching women in athletics, while Cowan highlighted Thomas’ passion for developing players as vital.
“Developing and educating of our players is something we want to be really strong on at Fremantle,” Cowan said.
“Craig has shown his passionate to developing his playing group during his six years with the colts at West Perth, and he’ll be another fantastic addition to our coaching staff.”
With no shortage of applicants, Cowan called the selection process “thorough” and was delighted with the club’s final selections.
“We wanted to make sure had the right people on board, so while it was a long process on reflection I’m glad we took our time,” she said.
“We’ve got an incredible panel together and I know the girls will flourish from their knowledge and their experience.”
“The five of us on the coaching panel really compliment each other on our strengths and the things that challenge us. I’m looking forward at getting everyone together and I think we’ll work really well and help the girls take their football to a whole new level.”
Cowan said it was great to have the support of Hasleby. The pair have worked together previously during Cowan’s time as the coach of the WA U18 youth girls’ team. At Cowan’s request, Hasleby helped out as an assistant at training and acted as a mentor for the side, which went on to win the national championship.
“Paul’s seen the passion and the drive that these girls have and he wants to be a part of it, too,” Cowan said.
“I think it’s great for the club to see a past player of that calibre to embrace the club and both of our teams. Paul has also been a head coach in his own right. He has the passion for giving back to the game and has had a hand in coaching women's football.
“I can tell he’s really excited at this new challenge and for him getting back in the game. He’ll be great for me as a support and to hold me accountable.”
