AFL legend Nathan Burke will not coach the Western Bulldogs’ AFLW team in 2024.
The news follows a disastrous season for the club where the team only managed one win and finished last.
Players and staff were reportedly told the news on Wednesday morning.
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The Bulldogs are a foundation club but this year expansion teams Essendon and Sydney overtook them and went on to play finals.
The former St Kilda champion was not helped by a lengthy and persistent injury list but he failed to use that as an excuse.
“We’re not fit enough,” Burke said after the Round 5 defeat to the Saints.
“I said that to the girls in there, we’re not going to make excuses over that, because I think there are probably things outside of injuries, within our control, that would make us fitter.
“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 win of the season came in Round 9 when they defeated 17th-placed West Coast by eight points.
Burke was appointed coach ahead of the 2020 AFLW season, leading the club for five campaigns, and made an elimination final last year.
The 53-year-old took over from Paul Groves, who led the club to the 2018 AFLW premiership.
More to come …
– With AAP
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