The Essendon Football Club - “The Bombers” - are a professional sporting organisation in the Australian Football League, home to several teams, including AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. But we’re more than the game. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from standing together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity, and uniting around a shared purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play, and every decision. The essence of the Essendon legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Australian sporting calendar, through significant events such as the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, underscoring our commemoration and connection to national identity. Our heritage sets us apart, shaping our ethos and inspiring our journey. We strive to be better every day, pushing the boundaries and relentlessly pursuing excellence. But amidst the intensity of competition, respect remains paramount. We care about our impact on others, whether it's our teammates, opponents, or our community. When we ‘Don the Sash’, we do so with unity, passion, excellence, and respect guiding our every move, Always Striving toward our next triumph on the premiership stage.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

Reporting to the Head of High Performance and Medical, the purpose of the AFLM Development/VFLM Head Strength & Conditioning is to implement and manage strength and conditioning programs for first and second year AFLM listed athletes, and manage Essendon’s VFL Physical Performance program, ensuring all players are able to perform at their athletic peak for games.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• To implement and manage strength and conditioning programs for athletes in Essendon’s VFLM team.
• To implement and manage strength and conditioning programs for first and second year athletes on the AFLM list.
• Assist in the delivery of AFL strength and conditioning sessions
• Design and implement cross training sessions for AFL listed players
• To oversee player wellbeing and communicate player needs with appropriate staff.
• To assist in the management of James Hird Academy players when attending AFL training sessions.
• To manage data collection of players each training session and VFLM game day and to use this data to build effective and appropriate programs for each player.
• To work closely with Physiotherapists to manage players rehabilitation and injury prevention processes.
• Provide coaching to assist players in developing correct techniques within their strength and conditioning programs to both prevent injury and improve their fitness and strength.
• Warm ups and cool downs for all AFLM listed players on training days.
• Assist in mentoring interns and students.
• Contribute to High-Performance staff meetings, and help drive the strategic direction of the department
• Work collaboratively with Dietitians, Physio’s, and other Performance Staff to ensure desired performance outcomes are achieved for all AFLM players, with a particular focus on developing athletes.
• Provide education sessions for Jack Jones Academy members on Essendon’s AFLM list (first to third year players).
• Maintain accurate and timely athlete records, and reporting documentation.

KEY POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Experience working with elite athletes for 3+ years.
• Extensive track record of success in reconditioning and rehabilitation program design and practical implementation for elite athletes.
• Extensive track record of success in Strength and Conditioning program design and practical implementation for elite athletes.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills and ability to self-manage effectively to complete tasks to high standard on time and work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with both the playing group and other key stakeholders within the organisation.
• Remain in touch with cutting-edge and world-leading S&C, rehabilitation, and sport science practice.
• Have a good understanding of, and the ability to utilise in practice, current sport science technology to help guide programming.
• The ability to record professional notes and maintain an effective injury management and strength programming database.
• Consider the welfare and holistic management of a player in the context of the wider football program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Exercise Science (or equivalent)
• Current ESSA or Level 2 ASCA accreditation or International equivalent
• First Aid and Resuscitation certificate

Other

• Current driver’s licence to travel to and from key stakeholder premises/meetings
• Current Working with Children Check or ability to obtain one; and
• Permanent Residency in Australia, or appropriate visa to work permanently.

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.

We pride ourselves on creating an environment of shared spirit of passion, innovation, and inclusivity. As an Equal Opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of how we do business. We are united in upholding our Club-wide values and are consistently setting the benchmark both on and off the field as we strive to win our next premiership.