JUST IN: After a disastrous season Bulldogs sack AFLW coach after ending bottom of table

The Western Bulldogs have fired AFLW coach Nathan Burke after a one-win season.

Burke paid the price for the Bulldogs, a foundation club, finishing last on the ladder as expansion clubs Essendon and Sydney overtook them to reach the finals.

“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,” Ameet Bains, the chief executive officer of the Bulldog

“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.”

A lengthy and persistent injury list did not help the former St Kilda champion, but he did not use it as an excuse.

“We’re not in good enough shape. “I told the girls in there, we’re not going to make excuses for that because I think there are probably things outside of injuries, within our control, that would make us fitter,” Burke said following the Saints’ round-five loss.

“Just understanding the level of professionalism required now – skipping an ice bath or not eating properly, that doesn’t cut it anymore.”

The Bulldogs’ only victory of the season came in round nine, when they defeated West Coast by eight points.

Burke was named coach ahead of the 2020 AFLW season after leading the club for five seasons and reaching the elimination final last year.

The 53-year-old succeeded Paul Groves, who led the club to the AFLW premiership in 2018.

 

“I thank the Western Bulldogs for allowing me to live my purpose of making a difference in other people’s lives – if I did that, then I walk away content,” Burke said in a statement.

 

“I’d also like to thank the people of the West for welcoming me into your club.” I hope success is on the way for you.”

Burke made light of his dismissal after it became official on Wednesday.

In the coming weeks, the Bulldogs will consider making additional changes to the women’s football program and will begin the process of selecting the next coach.