About Us

A leader in an industry that is among the most exciting and passionate within Australia, the Geelong Cats offers a place of employment like no other. We strive to give our fans, members and customers an experience that is unparalleled. The Cats represent the community of Geelong with pride and we seek people who can assist us to be the team to beat on and off the field.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of AFLW & Head of Player Development & Wellbeing, the Player Development Manager (PDM) drives an individualised action planning process to support player growth, wellbeing and performance across our AFLW Program for 2026.

Working closely with the Club Doctor and wider support team, this role creates an evidence-based environment that champions mental health, holistic wellbeing, and sustainable success. By delivering innovative programs and drawing insights from player Action Plans, the PDM ensures every player has the tools and support to thrive on and off the field.

This role is full time (days are based around training schedule and match days with fluctuations during the season) and based on-site at the Club.  This role requires travel on weekends as per fixture.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage the AFL Action Planning process, supporting players’ personal and professional growth;
• Collaborate with players, coaches, and staff to integrate Action Plans, monitor progress, and address challenges;
• Promote proactive wellbeing strategies, working with medical and psychological staff to ensure clear support pathways;
• Design and deliver induction and development programs, ensuring culturally informed support for diverse player groups;
• Oversee player education, career, and vocational pathways, building partnerships with external organisations;
• Identify and manage risks affecting player and staff wellbeing while fostering a culture of trust, confidentiality, and accountability;
• Foster positive, confidential relationships that inspire trust and collaboration;
• Ensuring a smooth transition and appropriate support for players as they enter/exit the Club.

What you can bring

• A strong knowledge of workplace mental health frameworks and a passion for applying best practice;
• Previous experience working in high-performance environments, with empathy and cultural awareness;
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and support players to achieve their goals (on and off the field);
• The highest standards of discretion and integrity when handling confidential and/or sensitive information;
• Your reliability, accountability, and the ability to work both independently and in alignment with Club guiding principles;
• Tertiary qualification in sports administration, education, psychology or a relevant profession are desirable.

Why join the Geelong Cats

Our club guiding principles are the strong beliefs and consistent behaviours of people in our Club, which underpins our inclusive culture. In addition, we offer a range of excellent benefits including; professional development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, hybrid model of working arrangements, , membership/retail discounts, partnership deals and free onsite parking all provided so you can thrive in your role.

The Geelong Football Club is a welcoming place where we seek to engage respectfully with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds.  All applications are gratefully received, and applicants will be considered on their ability to do the job and alignment to our Club guiding principles. In order to comply with mandatory Child Safety Standards, all employment is subject to a valid and current Police Check and Working with Children Check. 

The Geelong Football Club is committed to providing a safe and friendly environment where the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our programs, services, activities, events and the broader Cats community, will always be our first priority.