Lead Port Adelaide's AFLW Program to Premiership Glory
This is your opportunity to make history with one of Australian football's most successful clubs. We're looking for a bold, ambitious leader to shape the next chapter of Port Adelaide's AFLW story.
Who We Are
The Port Adelaide Football Club was established in 1870 in the working-class suburb of Alberton, to the west of Adelaide.
From humble beginnings on the docksides of Port Adelaide as a sporting social club for the young men and women of the district, Port Adelaide has grown into one of the nation's most successful professional sporting organisations.
Our record of success is unparalleled -- 4 Champions of Australia titles, 36 SANFL Premierships, 1 AFL Premiership.
Today we compete in three elite competitions: the Australian Football League (AFL), the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW), and the local South Australian National Football League (SANFL) as a foundation club. Port Adelaide is the only community football club from outside of Victoria to earn entry in its own right into the national competition.
We exist to win Premierships. We are proud, immensely proud, of all that has been achieved since 1870, and as always, bold in every plan for the future.
Proud Past. Bold Future.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the AFLW Head of Football, you'll lead an exciting playing group with genuine premiership potential. This isn't just another coaching role – it's a chance to build your legacy with an AFLW club that knows how to win and isn't afraid to chase greatness.
You'll work with a talented list, elite facilities at Allan Scott Power Headquarters, and the backing of one of Australia's most passionate football communities. The foundations are there. The vision is clear. Now we need the right leader to bring it all together.
What You'll Bring to the Role
Your Vision & Strategic Thinking
You'll develop a compelling 3-year vision that aligns with our 'Chasing Greatness' strategy. You know how to define success across multiple timeframes and build genuine buy-in from players and staff. You understand that the best visions aren't created in isolation – they're co-created through inclusive, collaborative processes that give everyone ownership of where we're headed.
Your Coaching Excellence
You live and breathe elite football. From training design to game-day tactics, you know how to maximise what you've got and adapt to the unique rhythms of AFLW – the constrained contact time, the part-time athletes managing work and study, the evolving competition standards. You're not just implementing a game plan; you're developing players' fundamental skills and football intelligence in ways that stick.
Your Ability to Develop People
You understand that coaching elite athletes in semi-professional sport requires something different. You'll build trust through empathy and genuine care, creating an environment where players feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. You know how to develop mental toughness, resilience, and pressure performance while respecting that these are whole people with lives beyond football. Your players will leave better footballers and better humans.
Your Cultural Leadership
You know how to build high-performing cultures that balance challenge with care. You'll foster that 'one club' mentality we're known for, connecting our AFLW program to Port Adelaide's rich heritage and values – being Bold & Ambitious, showing Care, Embracing Expectation, and staying Connected. You celebrate the actions and behaviours that drive excellence while creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Your Leadership & Communication
You're an exceptional communicator who can articulate the 'what', 'why', and 'how' of every decision. You'll lead your coaching team with clarity, develop emerging coaches, and collaborate seamlessly with medical, performance, and wellbeing staff. You handle the external noise – media, comparison, scrutiny – with professionalism and composure. And you represent Port Adelaide with the pride and distinction this club deserves.
What You'll Need
Essential Requirements
- AFL Level 3 Coaching Accreditation (or commitment to obtain within 12 months)
- Significant coaching experience in elite or high-performance environments
- Proven success developing players and building coaching teams
- Track record of strategic program development and implementation
- Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check
The Leadership Edge
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
- High self-awareness with emotional regulation under pressure
- Cognitive flexibility to navigate setbacks and changing circumstances
- Ability to inspire commitment and articulate compelling visions
- Embodiment of our values through authentic, consistent behaviour
Highly Valued
- AFLW or women's elite sport coaching experience
- Experience with part-time/semi-professional athletes
- Formal qualifications in Coaching, Teaching, Sports science, or psychology
- Innovation in coaching methodologies and game strategy
- Connection to Port Adelaide's culture and community
Why This Matters
This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to shape the future of women's football at a club that's been winning for over 150 years. You'll have the resources, the talent, and the backing to build something special. And when you succeed here, you won't just be winning games - you'll be creating pathways, building legacies, and proving what's possible when elite coaching meets genuine opportunity.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Port Adelaide Football Club actively promotes inclusiveness and diversity. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disability.
If you require adjustments throughout the recruitment process, contact our People Team at people@pafc.com.au.
