COLLINGWOOD assistant Scott Gowans has quit the Magpies to become Sydney's inaugural AFLW coach.

Gowans was the senior coach of North Melbourne’s first AFLW side, and led the team to 11 wins from 14 games in 2019-2020. He has also held AFLW assistant coaching roles at Carlton and Collingwood, most recently overseeing the Magpies' midfield.

Prior to joining the AFLW, Gowans served as the inaugural head coach of the Dandenong Stingrays women's academy. He also coached the Victorian Country team to a national title at the 2017 NAB AFL Youth Girls National Championships, and in the same year he coached Diamond Creek to a grand final appearance in the VFL Women's competition.

Gowans said he felt privileged to be joining the Swans and couldn't wait to get started.

"It’s a great opportunity to be a senior coach at the Sydney Swans and I’m honoured to be able to coach the club’s first AFLW team," Gowans said.

The Swans also announced that they had passed 4000 AFLW members, becoming the first club to reach the milestone.

"I've heard a lot about this club and how close-knit the family at the club is, and I want to be part of that, and hopefully build something that will lead us to success," Gowans said.

Collingwood said Gowans would be "sorely missed" but congratulated him on the appointment.

"This is a fantastic opportunity that we know he has been working towards. We thank him for all he has brought to the Pies and wish him and his family all the best," the club said in a statement.

Former Geelong and West Coast player Scott Selwood will step into the role of Pies' AFLW midfield assistant coach. Selwood serves in the same position with the club's AFL program.

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