Goddard named women’s rep coach

Appointed as a Senior Assistant Coach at the Queanbeyan Tigers in 2014, Goddard created history and became the first ever female on a NEAFL coaches panel, a testament to her success in previous coaching positions.

She began her coaching career in 2009, after leaving AFL Canberra’s most successful Women’s club, Eastlake, to help form the first Gungahlin Jets Women’s side.

Goddard was a playing coach, and helped the club achieve fantastic results in their inaugural season, finishing runners up in the Division 2 Grand Final.

Goddard retired from playing at the conclusion of 2009 and returned to Eastlake as Head Coach, also coaching the NSW/ACT Youth Girls Representative Squad.

Goddard coached Eastlake to three consecutive Grand Finals, winning in 2010 and 2011, but just falling short in 2013.

Former Women’s Representative Coach Adrian Pavese made the decision to step down from the role at the end of this season, however he will continue his contribution to the team in an Assistant Coaching role.

Pavese and Goddard have formed a strong working relationship over the past few years, their coaching partnership bringing home the Division Two National title in 2013.

Next season, the representative program will consist of a two game state of origin fixture against AFL Sydney, as well as the possibility of other showcase matches.

Goddard has been a valued volunteer, coach, player as well as umpire for AFL Canberra for the past decade, and will no doubt lead our Women’s rep side to great success in 2015.