MELBOURNE women’s coach and men’s player development coach Michelle Cowan has informed the club that for family reasons she will be unable to relocate to Melbourne to coach its women’s team in 2017.  

Cowan, who has been involved with Melbourne as women’s coach since 2013, joined the club on a part-time basis in February this year, where she commuted from Perth to Melbourne.

Cowan said that family commitments were behind her reasons to remain in Perth on a permanent basis. She said it was a difficult decision and thanked Melbourne for her opportunities.

“[I] commenced my role in 2013 and ever since then I’ve really enjoyed the aspects of my role,” she told melbournefc.com.au.

“Working with both the women and the men, it’s been a real challenging decision to make. But from a family perspective, it’s certainly the right decision, with a five-year-old and a seven-year-old.

“I’m excited about the new opportunities and I’m really thankful for Melbourne’s investment in me and my development as a coach. I’ll reflect really positively on my involvement at the club.”

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the club was delighted to play a significant part in Cowan’s AFL coaching career.

“We are very proud of the opportunities that we have given Michelle since 2013 through her involvement with our women’s program and more recently the role that she has been playing in our football program,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“We identified Michelle as someone who could help our men’s program based on her experience in coaching, life skills and character and have been very happy with the contribution she has made through the 2016 season.

“The travel from Perth to Melbourne has been a challenge and we knew at some point a decision would need to be made on whether Michelle could move her family to Melbourne and take up a full-time role which she was offered.

“After looking at all potential options, Michelle has decided that she cannot commit to a full-time role and the current situation would not be the best way to deliver the best women’s program.

“We are disappointed by this outcome, but are very proud of the development that Michelle has made in her time with us and what she added to the football program.”