THE FIRST ever AFLW premiership coach, Bec Goddard, will take charge of Hawthorn's VFLW team from 2020 after the Hawks confirmed her appointment on Thursday.
Goddard guided the Crows to the inaugural AFLW premiership in 2017, before departing a season later to return to her previous job with the Australian Federal Police in Canberra.
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She was also an assistant coach with the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL last year, as well as taking a role as an assistant with the UC Capitals during its successful WNBL campaign.
"It feels like I’m living a dream," Goddard, a lifelong Hawks fan, told the club's website.
"To have another opportunity to coach football at an elite club, and to be joining the team I grew up supporting, is incredible.
"I’m so excited to work with a group of players who have experienced VFLW success and to help them take their games to the next level.
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"Everybody currently involved in the program will play a role in the journey towards an AFLW license and every step we take from here should be towards ensuring we have a robust and successful program when we enter the AFLW competition."
Hawthorn is one of four AFL clubs yet to receive a women's license alongside Sydney, Essendon and Port Adelaide, with Goddard to replace its previous VFLW coach Paddy Hill.
Hill has taken up a position as a senior assistant coach at AFLW side St Kilda, and will coach the club's VFLW team Southern Saints.
