AFL Coaches Association chief Mark Brayshaw insists there is no reason why a woman couldn’t one day become a senior AFL coach.

The AFLCA on Wednesday unveiled the “women’s coaching crusade” which aims to enhance the pathway for prospective female coaches.

AFLW assistant coaches (from left) Shannon McFerran (Carlton), Natalie Wood (Geelong), Jane Lange (Melbourne) and Lauren Morecroft (North Melbourne). Credit:Chris Hopkins

Bec Goddard (Adelaide) and Michelle Cowan (Fremantle) have both been senior coaches in the first two seasons of the national women’s league, however neither have continued for season three, meaning none of the 10 AFLW clubs are currently coached by women. Expansion club St Kilda are however set to be led by female footy trailblazer Peta Searle next year.

Acknowledging the need to ensure female players have the chance to transition into coaching, the AFLCA, backed by egg brand Lucky Chicken, announced that two AFLW players (one this year and one next) will receive a coaching pathway scholarship, allowing them to participate in the AFL “next coach” program, to attend the annual AFL coaches study tour of the US, and to be mentored by a current AFL coach.