We are seeking a results-focused, high-impact and detail orientated AFL Strength & Conditioning Coach / VFL High Performance Manager to join our AFL High Performance Team (2 year fixed term, 34.5 hours per week).
With our VFL, AFL, and AFLW programs driving the Club into a new era, this is a truly exciting time to join us. The recent securing of our VFL license has strengthened our competitive edge, creating a seamless pathway between VFL and AFL and unlocking new opportunities for player development and sustained success. It also creates career pathways and development opportunity for employees. This comes as we implement a newly developed 5-year Club transformational strategy that will shape our future.
In this role you’ll be part of a passionate, collaborative culture working alongside industry experienced people committed to excellence.
Careers at the St Kilda Football Club offer a unique chance to work in a dynamic, high-performance environment where every individual impacts team success. We lift, support, and challenge each other to be greater, embracing the grit and resilience required on our journey.
We offer state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to contribute to a legacy over 150 years in the making. If you’re ready to help us build the best Saints ever, we’d love to hear from you.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Saints. Reporting to the AFL Head of Performance, you’ll be entrusted with delivering best-practice strength and conditioning services to athletes across the St Kilda Football Club’s AFL and VFL programs - driving performance and maximising player availability.
In this role, you’ll provide elite-level support across both programs, while also leading the VFL High Performance program in close collaboration with the VFL Senior Coach. Additionally, you’ll oversee the physical development of our AFL first- and second-year athletes, ensuring they’re fully prepared for the demands of the game
Key Accountabilities
- Lead, develop and deliver the strength and conditioning program for the VFL program in collaboration with the VFL Senior Coach including; sports science innovations, performance analysis, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and personalised physical performance programs.
- Oversee VFL athlete load management to balance short-term performance goals with long-term development, optimising strength, power, endurance, speed, and agility while reducing injury risk.
- Coordinate and monitor the physical development programs of the AFL programs 1st and 2nd year athletes.
- Assist in delivering individualised and team-based strength, power, recovery, conditioning and speed training sessions under the guidance of the AFL Head of Performance and AFL Head of Strength & Power during pre-season and in-season.
- Oversee injury rehabilitation and collaborate with medical staff to ensure effective rehabilitation and safe return-to-play plans.
- Game day management of warm-ups, bench rotations and post-game recovery.
- Communicate weekly with coaching staff to provide updates and recommendations regarding player availability and readiness.
- Provide technical coaching to ensure safe and effective execution of exercises.
- Support and manage the workloads of the AFL listed athletes on VFL match day as directed by the AFL Head of Performance.
- Assist in coordinating and executing physical testing protocols aligned with AFL standards.
- Accurately collect and manage players performance data, including strength metrics and physical outputs.
- Contribute to a high-performance culture by staying informed on industry best practices and continuously developing your skill set.
About you
- High attention to detail.
- Proven ability to work in high performance environments and make decisions under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
What you need
- Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science / Human Movement (or equivalent).
- Minimum 3 years’ experience providing strength and conditioning services to semi-professional/elite athletes (team sport preferred).
- Australian Strength and Conditioning Assocation: Associate L2 Accreditation, with a preference for Professional L2 Accreditation.
- AFL knowledge/experience (desirable).
- Valid Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one.
- Availability to work weekends.
What we offer
- Fantastic culture of grounded people, who are best in class at what they do
- On site LINTON STREET café
- Free access to Aquatics Facilities at the Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing
- Free parking onsite & state-of-the-art gym access
- 12 weeks paid Parental Leave for primary carers (2 weeks for secondary carers)
- Discounted Saints memberships and merchandise
- Up to 40% discount on selected NEW BALANCE products
- Saints-only Linen House product pricing
- Discounted movie tickets through Hoyts
Please keep reading…
Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised folks tend to only apply when they check every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.
