About the business

The Western Bulldogs, located in the heartland of the western region of Melbourne, is a dynamic organisation that is committed to excellence both on and off the football field. We are focused on being successful and sustainable through both our on-field performance and our involvement in the community.

At the Western Bulldogs our Players and Staff understand the impact that sport can have in creating positive changes in society and we are committed to establishing a workforce representative of our diverse community. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are accepted and celebrated regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply

About the role

As a Contractor, this role will report to the Executive Manager Women’s Football and will assume the responsibility within the team structure for making medical decisions that affect the Western Bulldogs Women’s players safe participation in the program.

We are seeking an individual who is a Legally Qualified Medical Practitioner and has completed a Bachelor or Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine at an accredited University with experience working within sport, ideally with female athletes. The Contractor will also be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to provide medical management of injury and illness as well as advise on health-related issues to relevant parties. The successful candidate will be mentored by AFL medical staff that will involve regular clinical and case study discussions as well as opportunities that include attending AFL Men’s games.

The AFLW Head Doctor will provide medical leadership and clinical support across the AFLW program, including the following services:

• Provide clinical leadership and oversight of player health and injury management, including medical decision-making regarding safe participation, fitness to train and return to play.
• Provide medical coverage across AFLW training, matches and practice matches, including home and away fixtures.
• Conduct player injury reviews, clinical assessments and concussion screening and management as required.
• Provide medical advice and on-call support to players and football program staff where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with physiotherapy, high-performance and football staff to support player health, rehabilitation, availability and return to play.
• Coordinate and liaise with external specialists and consultants where further assessment, investigation or treatment is required.
• Oversee appropriate player medical screening, preventative health and ongoing health monitoring in accordance with Club and AFL requirements.
• Provide appropriate medical governance and oversight, ensuring practice is consistent with relevant professional, Club, AFL and integrity requirements.
• Maintain appropriate clinical documentation and medical records.
• Support medical emergency planning and health and safety protocols across training and competition.
• Support the Club’s end-of-season medical and player review processes, including clinical follow-up arising from player exit assessments.
• Contribute to pre-season planning, player medical management and ongoing medical planning throughout the year.
• Attend relevant medical, football and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and professional support across the Women’s Football medical team, including guidance and development of VFLW doctors.
• Collaborate closely with the Men’s CMO and broader Club medical team, supporting shared expertise, clinical discussion and a connected whole-of-Club approach.
• Engage in professional development and knowledge-sharing opportunities within the men’s football medical program, supporting continued learning and development.

Role commitment

The role operates across the year, with the primary onsite commitment occurring during AFLW pre-season and the competitive season, including training, match-day coverage and player clinical reviews.

Outside the AFLW season, the role has a reduced onsite commitment, with involvement focused on player medical management, injury follow-up, specialist liaison, season planning, meetings and on-call support as required.

The AFLW Head Doctor will work collaboratively with the Men’s Chief Medical Officer and broader medical team, with opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing and involvement within the men’s program where appropriate.