This role focuses on match-day and training medical operations, concussion support, management and leadership of the sports trainer team, and coordination of medical logistics across the VFL and VFLW programs.
Key Responsibilities
1. Player Care & Clinical Support
Deliver pre-training and pre-match strapping, manual therapy and treatment modalities for VFL and VFLW athletes.
Provide treatment within scope of practice to VFL and VFL athletes.
Attend 1x VFL and 1x VFLW training session weekly, with additional attendance as required to replace unavailable Sports Trainers.
Attend all VFL match days to provide sideline acute injury care, first aid, taping, wound care, and general athlete support.
Support VFLW match days on an as-needed basis at the discretion of the HPM/VFLW Medical Team.
Support the medical and high-performance team with acute injury management, assessment, rehabilitation, testing and any reasonable support withing the scope of practice.
Complete any necessary SOAP notes for treatments/assessments in line with club and medicolegal requirements and assist with the maintenance of injury reporting and record keeping.
Assist the Club Doctor with concussion protocol administration, including data collection and athlete guidance (not diagnosis).
Attend weekly medical meetings (45–60 minutes).
Assist with player medical follow-up on an as-needed basis, including:
referral letters
assisting players with booking medical imaging
assisting with specialist appointments
tracking imaging or specialist reports as directed by the Head Physiotherapist, High-Performance Manager or Club Doctor.
2. Training & Match-Day Operations
Coordinate the smooth operation of all medical and sports trainer tasks at training and matches.
Prepare all medical stock for both program’s training sessions and match days across pre-season and in-season.
Set up medical stock and workspace at all required club and off-site facilities.
Pack away all medical equipment, bags and supplies post-match and post-training.
Maintain the medical room to a clean, organised and professional standard.
Prepare medical equipment for interstate travel (packing only - no transport responsibility).
Maintain medical equipment to standard in conjunction with the General Manager, Football ensuring readiness and appropriate documentation.
3. Staff Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor and supervise the Sports Trainer team across both VFL and VFLW.
Independently hire and onboard sports trainers to club standard.
Conduct and lead educational sessions to ensure trainers meet required standards for:
Taping
On-field performance
Sideline operations
Emergency response procedures within educational scope
Ensure all Sports Trainers maintain:
Level 2 Sports Trainer accreditation
Current First Aid & CPR
Working With Children Check
Provide weekly/daily communication, expectations and updates to all trainers
Organise monthly professional development for the trainer group.
Maintain a positive, supportive, cohesive team culture.
4. Scheduling & Logistics
Create and maintain a 4–6 week rolling roster for all Sports Trainers across VFL and VFLW, including interstate travel as needed.
Manage trainer availability, replacements and last-minute changes.
Collect and manage emergency contact details and relevant information for the Sports Trainer group.
Ensure adequate trainer coverage is provided at all required sessions and match days.
Assist with medical logistics, such as bookings for imaging or specialist appointments, when requested by medical staff.
5. Medical Operations & Supplies
Independently order and maintain all medical supplies through the Club’s preferred supplier systems, within the medical budget.
Work with the Club Doctor to ensure all supplies are:
In-date
Organised
Appropriate for use
Accessible during training and games
Maintain full inventory of:
Medical bags
Taping kits
Wound care items
PPE
Emergency equipment
Provide monthly invoices for all Sports Trainers under your management.
Provide your own monthly invoice to the Club.
6. Qualifications & Experience
Allied Health or manual therapy qualification (e.g. Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, or Myotherapy or Remedial Massage Therapy)
Level 2 Sports Trainer (or ability to obtain).
Current First Aid & CPR.
Working With Children Check.
Experience in semi-elite or community-elite football programs.
Strong taping, acute injury management and sideline care knowledge.
