About us

Joining the Hawthorn Football Club represents a unique opportunity to work in a fast paced, elite sporting environment where you can be yourself and thrive.

Our Club’s values and One Club philosophy across our men’s and women’s football programs ensures that inclusion and diversity are at the core of all we do. You will work and thrive in an environment that is committed to excellence and supported by a culture of wellbeing and work/family balance.

Our strategic priorities guide the Club to deliver long term objectives to continually grow, innovate and achieve on-field success. We are excited to have recently relocated to our new state of the art home Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley.

We are committed to creating a supportive environment in which people feel connected to our football club and to each other.  Importantly we want to have fun!

About the role

Based in Melbourne, this role reports to the National Recruiting & List Manager and is key in supporting the selection of players in the AFL National Draft, AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft and other player acquisition periods. Also maintaining strong relationships with key recruiting stakeholders and serving as a vital connection between the recruiting team and the HFC Academy programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate and assess talent within designated areas of responsibility, with a strong focus on the SA and WA regions.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, coaches and talent managers across SA and WA.
• Report weekly on player assessments throughout the season and actively participate in regular meetings with relevant staff.
• Coordinate and roster part-time recruiters in key regions, ensuring consistent communication and support throughout the year.
• Play a leadership role in strengthening the connection between the recruiting department and the Next Generation Academy (NGA) and Father-Son programs. 
• Provide support and assistance to the List & Recruiting Manager as required, work closely with and report to them.
• Contribute to additional activities and projects as needed, including supporting the ongoing development and strategic direction of the Hawthorn list strategy.

Our ideal candidate 

Our ideal candidate passionate and strategic individual who can identify emerging talent, build strong relationships, and drive our recruitment strategy to support long-term club success.

• Demonstrated ability to assess player potential through game observation, data analysis, and performance metrics.
• Strong understanding of AFL rules, talent pathways (Coates League, State Leagues, Draft), and emerging trends in player development.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with players, coaches, player managers, and key stakeholders across the AFL ecosystem.
• Skilled in using recruitment software, performance analytics, and video review tools to inform decisions.
• Capable of developing and executing long-term recruitment strategies aligned with club objectives.
• Clear and professional communicator, able to present insights and recommendations to coaches and senior management.
• High level of professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Comfortable working irregular hours, including weekends and travel, to attend games and scouting events.
• Committed to identifying talent and supporting their progression through the AFL pathway.

Our offer to you 

As a Hawthorn Football Club employee, you will work in a supportive, values driven and harmonious team. You will be challenged and provided with opportunities to learn new things, grow, and develop. Our initiatives which drive wellbeing, connection and performance include:

• Access to state-of-the-art gym and pool facilities
• Weekly Pilates classes
• Flexible work arrangements
• Special offers and discounts through our Corporate Partners
• Industry leading Parental Leave Policy
• Professional development opportunities – inhouse and external
• Complimentary One Club memberships to enjoy Hawthorn games with family and friends

Please submit your application including your resume and cover letter by Friday 9th January 2026.

Please note that this role will likely commence in March 2026. 

The Hawthorn Football Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and diverse candidates. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of the Australian community and encourages applicants from the following backgrounds to apply:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Culturally and linguistically diverse
• LGBTIQ+
• People with a disability

We provide a welcoming, safe, and flexible approach to work and provide an environment that benefits from and enables the best from everyone.

As an organisation we are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. It is essential that anyone involved with the Hawthorn Football Club understands their responsibility in relation to child safety. Our organisation requires all applicants to obtain a ‘Working with Children Check’ prior to appointment.