Bec Goddard has been appointed as the inaugural senior coach of the Crows team in the AFL’s new national women’s league.

Goddard, the 2015 AFL Football Woman of the Year (honorary), has an impressive professional career and significant coaching, umpiring and playing experience, both in the ACT and South Australia.

Since moving to Adelaide from Canberra late last year, the 38-year-old has taken on the role of Assistant Coach at the Woodville West Torrens Centre of Excellence.

Goddard will be joined by Andrew Hodges, who has been selected as the inaugural senior assistant coach of the Crows women’s team, to be based in the Northern Territory.

Hodges has been working with AFLNT as the State Academy Development coach since 2015 and has been instrumental in developing female football talent in the NT.

The two coaches will work closely together to manage high performance programs which will be run concurrently in SA and the NT.

Goddard, who has been a member of the Australian Federal Police since 2001, said she was thrilled to join the Crows as the women’s senior coach.

“The Crows have demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing the women’s game and I’m extremely proud to be named as senior coach of the Club’s inaugural women’s team,” Goddard said.

“It’s an exciting time for the Club and for the sport more broadly and I’m looking forward to working with Andrew and the football department to build a professional and successful team.”

Crows Head of Football David Noble said the announcement was another significant milestone in the development of the Crows’ inaugural women’s squad.

“We’re extremely excited to appoint Bec as our inaugural women’s team coach and Andrew in the role of assistant coach to manage the rollout of the training program in the NT,” Noble said.

“Bec has impressive credentials with a wealth of playing, umpiring and coaching experience and a real passion for women’s football. She also has significant professional expertise as demonstrated by her history with the Australian Federal Police.

“She will work closely with Andrew, who will be a senior assistant based in the Northern Territory. This will allow NT players to remain at home and will also drive growth and engagement in northern Australia.

“Our goal is to make the Crows the club of choice for women and girls, whether as participants, administrators or fans, and we are thrilled to have Bec and Andrew leading our inaugural women’s playing squad.”

The Crows, in partnership with AFLNT, are one of eight teams in the National Women’s League which is scheduled to start in February 2017.

In July, Chelsea Randall and Kellie Gibson were announced as the first two marquee players for the team.

A detailed analysis of talent to complete the inaugural squad is currently underway with the Club to announce two pre-signed players and two Rookies in the coming weeks.

BEC GODDARD

Has served as a member of the Australian Federal Police since 2001

Assistant Coach – men’s team, Centre of Excellence, Woodville-West Torrens Eagles, SANFL (2016)

Assistant Coach, SANFL Women’s State Program (2016)

AFL Football Woman of the Year (honorary) (2015)

Assistant Coach – men’s team, Ainslie Football Club, NEAFL (2015)

Head Coach, AFL Canberra Women’s representative program (2015)

Assistant Coach – men’s team, Queanbeyan Tigers, NEAFL (2014)

Senior Assistant Coach, AFL Canberra Women’s team (2012-2014)

Head Coach – women’s team, Eastlake Football Club (2011-2013) (Premiership Head Coach 2011 & 2012, Grand Final Head Coach 2013)

Youth Girls Coach, NSW/ACT Under 18s (2010-2011)

Head Coach – women’s team, Gungahlin Jets Football Club (2008-2009)

ANDREW HODGES