The highly credentialed VFL Coach Peta Searle was today announced as the Western Bulldogs’ coach for the AFL’s first all-female exhibition match, scheduled as a curtain raiser before the Dogs round 14 clash against Melbourne.

Supported by Shaun Higgins as assistant coach, Searle will lead the Bulldogs representative side on Saturday 29 June 2013, as part of AFL Women’s Round celebrations.

Searle, who is currently an assistant coach for VFL powerhouse Port Melbourne, has become a well-known name in local football in both men’s and women’s competitions, as she makes strides in her coaching career.

Coaching Victorian Women’s Football League’s Darebin Falcons to five consecutive premierships, Searle has a proven track record as player and coach, also boasting seven state guernseys and All Australian honours on three occasions.

The Bulldogs will participate in a drafting process on Wednesday 15 May 2013 to determine who will represent each side.

Club Recruitment Manager Simon Dalrymple will  be involved in the women’s draft alongside Searle, as they consolidate the Bulldogs squad of 25 players.

Melbourne will benefit from the first draft pick after winning the coin toss on Monday at MCG, where Higgins represented the Bulldogs.

The 25-year-old forward said he was honoured to be involved in the historic milestone and called on all AFL members and fans to attend the match to support the game. 

“Well based on today with a little bit of a kick and a handball the girls have got really good skills, so I am looking forward to first the draft happening and then getting involved with a bit of the training,” Higgins said.

“It’s obviously a fantastic initiative, the numbers for this match – we’ve got over 200 girls that have registered to be drafted.

“It will be great to get as many supporters not just of the two Clubs but of the AFL to support Women’s Round, it will be ground obviously on the [MCG] the home of football.”