WA Football Commission

Michelle Cowan was announced as the winner of the Football Woman of the Year Award in Melbourne on September 26.

Cowan was nominated by the WAFC for her achievements and the contribution she has made to football in Western Australia.

WAFC Female High Performance Manager Alison Moore said Cowan was a highly deserving winner of the award and a fantastic role model for women in football.

“Michelle is a great example of what can be achieved if you have a dream and follow it with passion,” Moore said.

“She is great at what she does but more importantly, is willing to share her stories to help others achieve their own goals. She is humble enough to acknowledge that she is constantly learning and is continuing to develop her coaching style from all of the great mentors she surrounds herself with.

“Michelle’s desire to be the best she can is very inspiring.”

The Football Woman of the Year Award recognises women who have made a significant contribution to the game of Australian Football. Cowan was announced as the overall winner for demonstrating:

• A commitment to the support and advancement of Australian Football.
• A passion for the game.
• The ability to make a difference on the Australian Football scene.
• A keen knowledge of the game, including its history and its future.
• Willingness to publicly advocate diversity and the important role women play in football.

In 2004, Cowan was the first female in Australia to coach at a State League level when she joined West Perth Football Club alongside former Carlton and West Coast Eagles Assistant Coach Darren Harris.

This year, she was an Assistant Coach to Paul Hasleby at South Fremantle Football Club and was also the Head Coach of Western Australia’s State U18 Youth Girls team.

Cowan was also appointed Head Coach of the Melbourne Football Club women’s team during the AFL women’s exhibition game held at the MCG this year and was the founder of the annual Dean Cox Football Camp for kids aged 5-15 years in 2006.

She is also a mentor coach for the AFL High Performance Academy for youth girls based in Melbourne and will be part of the inaugural International tour for the Australian girls team ‘The Breeze’ to New Zealand in October 2013.

Cowan enjoys sharing her story and is passionate about a future career in the AFL. Through her public speaking she is constantly promoting Australian Football, female involvement and her unique inspirational football stories.

Photo: Michelle Cowan’s acceptance speech after winning the Football Woman of the Year Award.