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http://www.theage.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons/michelle-cowan-appointed-to-melbournes-coaching-staff-20160203-gmkpkt.html?&utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=nc&eid=socialn:twi-14omn0023-optim-nnn:nonpaid-27/06/2014-social_traffic-all-organicpost-nnn-age-o&campaign_code=nocode&promote_channel=social_twitter A woman has been employed among the coaches of an AFL club for just the second time in history with Michelle Cowan, already a state league pioneer, joining the Melbourne Football Club in a groundbreaking set-up. Australia's top female footballer Daisy Pearce has also been signed by the Demons in a full-time role that has seen her resign as a midwife, initially to join Melbourne's commercial team. As a player development and welfare coach, Cowan follows the path of Peta Searle who almost abandoned her dream to coach at the elite level before St Kilda recruited her in mid-2014.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/lost-for-words-afls-first-female-coach-peta-searle-20140602-zrulm.html This is an extraordinary earthquake in football culture, and I think a really big step forward for the game, as it demonstrates innovation in a very reactionary culture. I for one choose to believe that this is based on merit alone and has nothing to do with the Saints recent off field shenanigans, although I'm sure it will be alluded to (and I only mention it from a devils advocate POV). Having worked with some brilliant and brave women in traditionally male only enterprises, I don't see any reason why Searle can't be an ace coach, anyone who is able to make their dream come true against adversity is worthy of great respect. edit: the references were included as support for the merit of having Searle as coach, with such high female participation either as audiences or otherwise compared to the other codes, it seems to me to be a natural evolution to have a woman coaching. by the by, my father (who was a fantastic kick of the football) was taught by my grandmother, not my grandfather. ABS : http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/4156.0.55.001Feature+Article1May%202009 The Australian: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/afl-a-universal-favourite-thats-a-force-for-good/story-fn8qlm5e-1226483479334# Impact of this across community engagement is strong. The AFL claims 42 per cent of its national television audience is female and 35 per cent of its club memberships.