Hyett, who openly identifies as being from the western suburbs, assumed the position subsequent to Nathan Burke’s dismissal following a challenging 2023 season where the team only managed one win out of nine games.
She is among four fresh head coaches in the AFLW for the upcoming 2024 season, alongside Sam Wright at Collingwood, Daniel Webster at Hawthorn, and the women’s football pioneer Daisy Pearce leading West Coast, following the departure of their predecessors.
Having transitioned from a career in professional golf, Hyett has spent the past four years at Melbourne, contributing significantly to the team’s premiership win in season seven. Before her tenure at Melbourne, she also coached the Sandringham Dragons girls team.
Hyett expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to redefine the Bulldogs’ identity, particularly emphasizing her pride as a local from the western suburbs. She acknowledged the club’s longstanding support for women’s football, even preceding the inception of the AFLW, and highlighted the potential of the current roster.
The appointment of Hyett followed a rigorous selection process, with Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains praising her leadership qualities and clear coaching vision. He emphasized her diverse experience in elite girls’ and women’s football, foreseeing her ability to foster a high-performing culture and nurture the development of young players.
Chris Grant, the club’s footy boss, underscored the significance of Hyett’s background with the successful Demons, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the Bulldogs forward. Grant highlighted her extensive coaching experience in women’s football and her firsthand understanding of the demands of professional athleticism, anticipating her positive impact on the team’s progress and the development of its talented players.
