AFLW 2023: Hawthorn mentor Bec Goddard retires from coaching

An AFLW club has been rocked by a big coaching decision following just its second season in the competition.

Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard says she has retired from the profession. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

Hawthorn AFLW coach Bec Goddard is stepping away from the helm of the Hawks and says she will retire from coaching.

The league’s inaugural premiership coach will leave the profession after two seasons at Adelaide, including the 2017 flag, and two seasons at expansion side Hawthorn after taking the reins as the club’s VFLW coach in 2019 before its transition into the top flight.

Goddard said “the time was right” for her and the club to part ways, as the Hawks said they would immediately begin the search for a new senior coach.

“Having been a lifelong Hawthorn supporter, it was a dream come true to lead the club as its first AFLW senior coach,” Goddard said.

“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.

Inaugural AFLW premiership coach Bec Goddard has departed Hawthorn after two seasons and says she will retire from coaching. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“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.”