AFLW 2023: The Western Bulldogs have parted ways with Nathan Burke

After a one win season, the Western Bulldogs have parted ways with senior coach Nathan Burke. But the Australian football Hall of Fame member showed he hasn’t lost his sense of humour.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Nathan Burke, Senior Coach of the Western Bulldogs looks on during the 2023 AFLW Round 06 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Whitten Oval on October 06, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Western Bulldogs are the third AFL Women’s club on the hunt for a new coach after dismissing Nathan Burke with a year to run on his contract.

Burke, a St Kilda great as a player, had coached the team since 2020 with the women’s outfit having managed just one win this season which came in Round 9 against West Coast.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame member signed a two-year contract extension last year and was working full-time as women’s coach after beginning at the club in a part-time position.

Staff were informed of the club’s move to part ways with Burke on Wednesday morning, with players informed hours later.

The philosophical Burke’s sense of humour appears to have remained intact despite the coaching blow.

Sacked in the morning…win Tatts in the arvo #winning#whoneedsajobpic.twitter.com/Hqj1udX9Rw

— Nathan Burke (@Nathan3Burke) November 15, 2023

“Sacked in the morning ... win Tatts in the arvo,” he tweeted with a screenshot of an $11.75 windfall on Wednesday afternoon.

“#winning #whoneedsajob.”

The Bulldogs– who were ravaged by injuries this season - made finals just once under his five-season reign, which delivered a win percentage of 39 per cent.

Saints great, Nathan Burke has been let go by the Western Bulldogs as senior AFLW coach. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Nathan has played a significant role in the club’s journey within the AFLW and we’re thankful for his strong contribution over the past five seasons,” Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said on Wednesday.

“He became our first full-time coach after leading the team to finals at the end of 2022 and has developed strong relationships with his staff and players during his tenure.

“After careful consideration, the club has decided to move in a different direction heading into next season, as we strive for sustained success in all aspects of our women’s football program.”

Any potential payout to Burke will depend on the wording of his contract.

Earlier this season, Burke slammed his team’s fitness and said that players’ professionalism had to lift if they were to compete.

In a statement, Burke said on Wednesday that “all good things must come to an end”.

“And so it is with my time at WBFC,” he wrote.

‘Thanks for allowing me to live my purpose, which is to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Nathan Burke with his daughter Alice, who plays for the Saints. Picture: Getty Images

“If I managed to do this, then I walk away content.

“A huge thanks to the people of the West who supported me along the way. It was great getting to know the passionate fans of the red, white and blue.”

The now-former coach said he was determined to continue to fight for AFLW and its players.

“I move on with some great memories, wonderful friendships and I will be an ardent supporter of the amazing playing group,” he said on Wednesday morning.

“I also look forward to being an even more vocal and unfettered advocate of the AFLW in the coming years.”

The Bulldogs, Collingwood – which split with coach Steve Symonds last week – and West Coast, whose coach Michael Prior departed before the end of the season, are all searching for a new AFLW coach as the competition’s finals series continues.

It is understood that former Carlton coach Daniel Harford would be interested in returning to a coaching role after leaving the Blues at the end of season six, while Dani Laidley has expressed an interest in the vacant Eagles position.