THE WESTERN Bulldogs have landed a major signing, securing Debbie Lee as general manager of women's football.
Lee will cross from Melbourne, where she was the club's women's football operations manager.
She is one of the pioneering figures of women's football in Victoria, having played 302 games in the VWFL (a precursor to what is now the VFL Women's competition) and founding the VU Western Spurs (previously the St Albans Spurs).
Lee was also president of the VWFL from 2004 to 2012.
She is currently the senior coach of the Spurs, who announced on Wednesday morning will be playing as the Western Bulldogs in the VFLW in 2018.
With Melbourne also fielding a VFLW side next year through Casey, the move to the Bulldogs will allow Lee to continue as Western Bulldogs/Spurs VFLW coach without a conflict of interest.
Lee's role at the Dogs will include overseeing the AFLW program and developing player and coaching pathways through the VFLW team and the club's Next Generation Academy.
"I am looking forward to joining the Western Bulldogs and taking on the new role," Lee told westernbulldogs.com.au.
"The Western Bulldogs have been active in the women's football space from the onset and have jointly driven the agenda for women's football nationally. I am excited about the opportunity and joining the club ahead of the 2018 AFLW season.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Melbourne Football Club for providing me the opportunity to grow myself and women’s football. Thank you to the players, coaches and off field staff for their support and commitment. I have made many great friends and have valued my time with the club."
