Bec Goddard, the coach of the Hawthorn AFLW, has announced her retirement from coaching and is leaving her position as head coach of the Hawks.
After two seasons at Adelaide, where he won the 2017 flag, and two seasons at expansion side Hawthorn, where he took over as the club’s VFLW coach in 2019 prior to its promotion to the first flight, the league’s first premiership coach will step down from his position.
Goddard said that “the time was right” for her and the team to split ways, and the Hawks announced that they will start the hiring process straight away for a new head coach.
Being the first AFLW senior coach at Hawthorn was a dream come true for Goddard, who has always supported the team.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work with incredible group of players, coaches, and staff across the past two seasons, and I would like to thank all of them for their support, love and care.
“The time is right for the club and myself to embark upon new directions, and I leave Hawthorn proud of everything we achieved.”
Hawks chief executive Ashley Klein said Goddard had an “enormous impact” at the Hawks as she led a young side to a pair of 3-7 finishes in 2022 season seven and 2023.
“There’s no doubting the enormous impact Bec has made at our club, her legacy as Hawthorn’s inaugural AFLW senior coach is one that won’t be forgotten,” Klein said.
Football boss Rob McCartney said the Hawks would immediately begin the hunt for a new mentor for the side, which is armed with talented players in their prime including Brisbane recruits Emily Bates and Greta Bodey, and rising star Jasmine Fleming.
“We remain committed to investing and developing our next generation of talent to align with the club’s strategic priority in creating an elite AFLW program. We will get to work to recruit a new AFLW senior coach immediately,” McCartney said.
“When we look back at Bec’s time at the club, she will be a part of so many of our first important moments. Bec will always be a special part of the Hawthorn fabric, and we wish her and her partner Shanrah the very best for the future.
“In departing the club, Goddard paid tribute to those who shared in her journey.”
