West Coast Eagles women’s coach Luke Dwyer steps down after one season amid COVID-19 carnage

Inaugural West Coast women’s coach Luke Dwyer has stepped down after just one season at the helm of the Eagles’ AFLW outfit.

The Eagles were last in Conference B with one win from six matches when the AFLW season was called off amid the coronavirus pandemic in March.

The move comes in an environment of significant cutbacks at AFL clubs as football departments are re-shaped due to the financial damage caused by COVID-19.

“Life has thrown up a few twists and turns in the last few months and I have made the decision that I cannot continue in the role,” Dwyer said.

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“It was not a decision I made lightly, but it came to the point where I had to make the best decision for my family.

“It was great to be involved in the club’s inaugural AFLW season, where we had to deal with a great deal of adversity, and that experience, along with the people involved, will always be special to me.

“The integrity and will of the playing group was exceptional and we could not have asked more of them.”

Dwyer was previously a development coach at West Coast who worked with fringe players at East Perth, the Eagles’ former host club.

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said Dwyer had done a good job with the women’s side in difficult circumstances.

“We are disappointed to see Luke depart. But we understand the reasons and wish him every success in the next phase of his life,” Nisbett said.

“He has been with the club for four years, the last couple in the AFLW space and did a terrific job under the circumstances.”

Pre-season training for AFLW players is due to begin on November 4, with the 2021 season due to start in early February.