Cowan joins East Fremantle premiership coach Nikki Harwood, 2006 Norm Smith medallist Andrew Embley and 1994 premiership ruckman Ryan Turnbull as part of the coaching staff for the West Coast Eagles inaugural AFLW campaign in 2020.

The announcement comes after West Coast announced Luke Dwyer as their head coach.

Cowan, one of the most highly-regarded female coaches, was the inaugural AFLW coach at Fremantle before leaving the club at the end of the season.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to be here at West Coast,” she said.

“I’m excited about what lies ahead for the football club, not only a new WAFL team but a new AFLW team.

“Having the opportunity to be the senior coach at Fremantle in their inaugural season, their first couple of seasons, certainly has given me some great experience that I will pass on to West Coast. I’m really looking forward to working with Luke, who is an incredible coach.”

West Coast will be joined by Richmond, Gold Coast and St Kilda as one of four expansion clubs in what will be the AFLW’s fourth season.