About the Role
The Talent Pathways Boys Head Coach is primarily responsible for leading the development of talented young male footballers (predominantly between 15 and 19 years of age) and other coaches in a well-balanced high-performance environment. The role includes setting, driving and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive development program culture, and leading a player pathway program that supports development and progression for AFL and AFLW readiness, as well as transitions to State League and/or community football after the pathway experience. A key objective is to ensure optimal individual development of the male athletes in the Tasmanian Talent Pathway.
Note: This is a fixed-term role (approximately until Oct 2027).
Key Accountabilities
* Lead and maintain a safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable environment for all participants in the program – staff and athletes alike.
* Focus on individual player development rather than team success, aided by individual Player Development Plans on Smartabase.
* Provide an integrated program between girls and boys with head coaches regularly cross-pollinating in terms of presence at training sessions, knowledge sharing and improvement feedback in both programs.
* Facilitate regular player feedback, vision edits, game/stats analysis and reporting in line with AFL Talent Pathway standards using platforms such as Smartabase, Hudl and Sportscode.
* Identify and develop athletes from diverse backgrounds by creating a culturally safe high-performance environment.
* Lead coaching development in the region, focusing on community and school coaches with support from the AFL Coaching team.
* Design and implement innovative coaching methods to enhance player development, fundamentals, and decision-making.
* Work with Wellbeing Coordinators to support players' welfare and wellness management.
* Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies (e.g., WWCC).
* Support the integration of boys' and girls' programs.
* Build connections with local clubs, leagues and schools to support the talent program.
* Stay current on best practices in talent development and identify future coaching potential within the region.
* Organize weekly leadership meetings to monitor and plan program activities.
* Contribute to State Academy programs and promote a positive image of the AFL talent pathway.
* Develop positive relationships with stakeholders to achieve talent program objectives.
Our Ideal Team Member
Core Competencies
* Minimum Level 2 AFL Coaching Accreditation or ability to obtain
* Experience in working with young people
* Demonstrated personal initiative and ability to work effectively in a team environment
* Well-developed communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and presentation skills
* Excellent IT skills when working with vision and presentation of coaching strategies
* Operational knowledge of applications and relevant player performance analysis software and vision editing programs such as Champion Data, Sportscode, Hudl and Smartabase
* Ability to teach the latest coaching methods including IT and software programs that assist in this process
* A coaching philosophy, ethics and attitude aligned to the Victorian Talent Pathway philosophy and the Coates Talent League
* Sound technical knowledge and training methods suitable for the group, in-line with AFL/AFLW Club Development Programs
* Exposure to talented player programs and a strong understanding of talent identification and development theories
* Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to formulate and communicate sequential training and game plans, and the ability to identify, motivate and nurture young talented athletes
* Capacity to develop and sustain productive relationships with all stakeholders, including other talent pathway coaches, operational leads, high performance & medical staff, players, their parents and schools
* Ability to influence stakeholders to work together to achieve program objectives
* Capacity to manage multiple priorities and programs simultaneously
* Current Driver License and a current Working with Children Check
Desired
* Previous successful coaching experience with talented and/or elite athletes
* Demonstrated knowledge of talent development programs in football or other sports
Our Culture
Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation
The Perks
* Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
* My Development – access AFL's My Development program with on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
* Play Well – access to Health and Wellbeing programs
* My Benefits – access great benefits and discounts
* AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG
Applications Close: 29 September 2025
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