Garland was initially named inaugural Casey Demons coach last October but he has since returned to Tasmania for personal reasons.

Melbourne general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the club was delighted to secure Keeping.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of Damien’s calibre coaching our inaugural Casey Demons VFLW team,” he told Melbourne Media. 

“Damien’s experience at TAC level, experience within the youth girls’ pathway and more recently leading Carlton’s AFLW program made him the perfect candidate.

“Damien has already thrown himself into the role, to understand our list and game style, and we look forward to the VFLW girls’ first game this weekend against Hawthorn at Casey Fields,” he said.