CARLTON and coach Damien Keeping have parted "by mutual agreement" as part of an ongoing review into the club's AFLW program.

The Blues finished the second NAB AFL Women's season on the bottom of the ladder with a 2-5 record, with Keeping saying the time was right to step aside.  

"I feel very privileged to have coached Carlton’s AFLW team since its inception," he said in a statement on Tuesday night.

"It’s been a real honour to coach this playing group and I’ll always be grateful to the Carlton football club for the opportunity." 

Keeping was poached from the Western Bulldogs to take the role as Carlton's inaugural AFLW coach in 2016, leading the Blues to a fourth-place finish in 2017.

The Blues narrowly missed out on a place in the Grand Final and recruited Collingwood best and fairest winner Nicola Stevens and Brisbane marquee player Tayla Harris in pursuit of success in 2018. 

They won the season opener against Collingwood playing an ultra-defensive game style, with a leaked memo later revealing the AFL's displeasure at the congestion around stoppages and defensive flooding that had marked such games.   

Head of Football Andrew McKay said Keeping had played a significant role in the establishment of the Blues' AFLW program and helped set a foundation based on values and a strong culture.

"We are thankful for his clear investment and passion for the playing group and the program more broadly," McKay said.

"Damien has decided the time is right to explore opportunities elsewhere and we wish him and his family well for their future endeavours." 

Keeping was replaced briefly this season by assistant coach Nick Rutley when he was hospitalised after round one because of a low platelet count. 

The Blues said they would commence their recruitment for a replacement over the coming weeks.