Lisa Webb will become the second former AFLW player to coach a women's team at the top level after signing a three-year deal with Fremantle.
Webb, who played six games with the Dockers in 2018, follows former Brisbane premiership player Lauren Arnell - now in charge of Port Adelaide - in transitioning into a senior coaching role.
"It's a really proud moment for me and my family," Webb said.
"Fremantle is a club close to my heart and I am so excited to get to work and help guide such a talented group of young women."
Webb spent three years as a Fremantle assistant under former coach Trent Cooper before relocating to Melbourne last year to join husband Marc at the Western Bulldogs, where she was AFLW midfield coach in season seven.
Cooper was axed in November after missing the finals at the end of an injury-riddled campaign, and later claimed it was an "unpopular decision" among players and staff.
Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick said appointing a past player as senior coach marked a "historic day" for the club.
He described the selection process as "incredibly professional and thorough".
"We had an appropriately considered approach to the appointment of Lisa from what was a high-quality group of final candidates," Garlick said.
"We're thrilled to have Lisa return to the club. She is a quality person who will add greatly to the culture and environment at the club.
"She has shown enormous talent as a coach since she was first appointed into a coaching role at the club in 2019.
"We believe her capability, drive, care and commitment will assist greatly as we look to create the very best high-performance environment for our W program."
Meanwhile, Carlton are still without an AFLW senior coach after last month parting ways with Daniel Harford as the result of an internal review.
The Blues will look to appoint a replacement for departed women's football boss Brett Munro before turning their attention to the search for a new coach.
