Harris breaks through as head coach

Michelle Harris believes she is paving the way for women in football after becoming the first female head coach in South West Football League history.

Harris, 45, will coach the Busselton colts next year, replacing Steve Lester who has taken on the league role.

She was appointed to the position because of her extensive credentials, which include being a coach and assistant coach of the WA under-18 women's side, four years as an assistant coach at the Eaton Boomers and the title of WA's Australian Football Coaches Association 2011 Female Coach of the Year.

Busselton president Rob Witten said Harris was hired for the job because she was the best candidate: "She is very good and well-credentialed for the role," he said.

Harris said the role of women in football had increased since her initial role as South West female football coordinator five years ago.

"More women are taking prominent roles in football all over the country," she said. "When I first started as female football coordinator for the South West five to six years ago, people didn't even know women could play footy.

"It has definitely come a long way. It's all about moving ahead for women's sport.

"At the end of the day, Busselton have taken on a coach that is passionate about the game and is ultimately aiming to get the best out of each individual player and that should not change whether they are a female or a male."

Harris said she did not believe she would have any problems controlling the young men.

"Once they know you mean business, they settle down pretty quickly," she said. "I am a professional about it. It's going to be new for a lot of boys at their age."

Eaton Boomers coach Glen Dehring said Harris deserved her role as a head coach.

"She is very knowledgeable and loves her footy," he said.

"It is good for the South West football community that we have a female coach of a colts team.

"She earnt the respect of the guys pretty quickly."

SWFL general manager John Vidos said it was breaking ground in the football world.

"Maybe it is a prelude for football full stop," he said.

"More women are taking prominent roles in football all over the country" - Michelle Harris