Are you an experienced coach looking to hone your skills in a professional football environment? This is your chance to join an elite sporting organization as Essendon Football Club looks to appoint an assistant coach for ‘Don the Sash’ and support our VFLW team based at The Hangar, Melbourne Airport.

About Us

The Essendon Football Club – “The Bombers” – is a professional sporting organization in the Australian Football League, home to several teams including the AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. But we are more than the game. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from coming together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity and uniting around a common purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play and every decision.

The essence of Essendon’s heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of the Australian sporting calendar, through significant events such as the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, highlighting our commemoration and connection to national identity . Our heritage sets us apart, shapes our philosophy and inspires our journey. We strive to be better every day, pushing boundaries and relentlessly striving for excellence. But faced with the intensity of competition, respect remains essential. We care about our impact on others, whether it’s our teammates, our opponents, or our community. When we “Put on the Scarf,” we do so with unity, passion, excellence and respect guiding our every move, always striving for our next triumph on the premiership stage.

About the role

Reporting to the VFLW Head Coach, you will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary department. As a VFLW Assistant Coach, you will bring your expertise to our playing group, demonstrate strong communication with key stakeholders and operate under the direction of the VFLW Head Coach.

As a VFLW Assistant Coach you will be responsible for:

• Provide coaching, teaching and support for the development of the VFLW playgroup.
• Provide coaching assistance and support to the VFLW Head Coach.
• Work with the Head Coach to implement EFC team strategies and structures to the VFLW playing group.
• Participate in all training sessions, match committee and match day requirements.
• Meet with line group and individual players to provide feedback on game and practice performance.
• Work closely with players to implement individual performance plans through craft and education.
• Strong communication with the medical and high performance team to ensure an understanding of each player’s ability to participate in practices and matches.
• Ensure a high level of communication and trust between key stakeholders within the wider football department.
• Be aware of player well-being and communicate concerns to appropriate staff.
• Act as a visible role model and respect our values ​​in decision-making, behavior and actions.

About you

We invite coaches from all backgrounds and experience to apply for these positions. To be considered for the position, applicants must possess the following skills and experience:

• Excellent knowledge of football and articulation of the game.
• Ability to teach football fundamentals and break down specific skills and roles.
• High level of interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish professional and respectful relationships with players and all football personnel.
• A thorough understanding of game strategies, playing styles and opposition analysis.
• Ability to plan and execute exercises and training sessions.
• Exceptional work ethic and ability to provide a high level of energy in the workplace as well as working irregular hours around VFLW night practices and games.
• Previous experience at AFL, State League or NAB League level.
• Minimum level 2 coaching qualification.
• Demonstrate high levels of personal ethics and integrity in decision-making, management and leadership behaviors.

The advantages

• Parent-Friendly – ​​We place family at the center of our work. We know they are at the center of yours. We offer paid parental leave to the person who primarily and secondarily cares for a biological or adopted child*.
• Access to our wellness partner – Converge that supports healthy minds, healthy bodies and healthy workplaces.
• Continuing professional development: To perform at our best, we must continue to learn. This is an expectation and commitment we make to everyone at EFC. All EFC employees will have access to the Essendon Leadership Academy which includes formal learning, coaching and mentoring, to help you achieve your career goals.
• But wait, there’s more: you’ll have access to great benefits and discounts thanks to our business partners. Free on-site parking at our premium workspace, The Hangar, and more.

Please keep reading…

Research shows that while men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalized people tend to apply only when they check all the boxes. So if you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet all of the points above, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to chat and see if you might be a good fit.

We pride ourselves on creating a shared-minded environment of passion, innovation and inclusion. 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 constantly setting the benchmark, on and off the pitch, as we strive to win our next premierships. And we wouldn’t be an elite football club if we didn’t party. All our wins count, on and off the pitch, we love to reward and recognize our people, from monthly barbecues to Crichton and Brownlow Medal tickets.

To apply

Please submit your application as soon as possible as pre-selection will begin immediately. Please include in your cover letter why you are an ideal candidate for this role and why you are interested in working with Essendon Football Club. Cover letters should be no longer than two pages and describe what you can bring to the position.

With our commitment to promoting and protecting the safety and welfare of children and young people in our care, we undertake several selection processes to ensure this commitment is met. This includes ensuring that all our employees hold a valid Working with Children/Vulnerable People Employee check and a satisfactory criminal record check.

Apply here before November 30

All applications will be treated with respect and confidentiality, including timely responses.

We politely ask that we not be contacted by recruitment agencies at this time.