About the Role

The AFLW Assistant Coach is responsible for developing, motivating, coaching, and providing leadership skills to the playing group.  Reporting to the AFLW Senior Coach, you will communicate closely and support them in motivating the playing group to perform to their highest level.  To achieve this the coach must develop strong working relationships with all players and support staff working within the Carlton AFLW Program.

It will also be the responsibility of the AFLW Assistant Coach to assist in developing and implementing game plan and coaching strategies, reviewing of match vision and to provide feedback and strategic insight at training and on game day.

Key Responsibilities

• Coach, teach and support the development of AFLW listed players, with primary responsibility for a designated line group.
• Plan and deliver weekly craft and fundamentals-based training aligned to the overall program.
• Contribute to the design and execution of training plans that support player development and effective implementation of the game plan.
• Develop, implement and monitor individual development plans in collaboration with the Head of Development, using vision analysis and feedback to drive improvement.
• Communicate regularly with coaches and staff to align player development priorities and outcomes.
• Support the AFLW Senior Coach across all program elements, including training, match committee, team selection, opposition analysis and match day coaching.
• Deliver training sessions and presentations and contribute to the ongoing development of coaching group capability.
• Assist with the integration and development of VFLW and train-on players within the AFLW program.
• Implement, coach and refine team strategies, structures and the AFLW game model across offence, defence and transition.
• Contribute to the development of game strategies and structured programs in line with current trends and performance objectives.
• Educate players on team systems and review performance to ensure continuous improvement and competitive advantage.

Experience, Skills and Attributes

• Proven high-performance coaching experience, with success in designing and executing adaptable game plans aligned to team capability and opposition analysis.
• Strong communicator who delivers clear, purposeful messaging and provides honest, constructive feedback to drive accountability and improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with performance, medical and strength & conditioning staff to optimize training, load management and player availability.
• Sound understanding of periodisation, recovery and the integration of coaching objectives with individual and team performance plans.
• Adaptive leadership style that enhances both individual development and team performance.
• Strong commitment to player welfare, with experience supporting holistic wellbeing, psychological safety and work–life balance in elite women’s football.
• Ability to identify and escalate wellbeing concerns, working collaboratively with relevant support staff.
• Understanding of the unique demands on AFLW athletes and the ability to coach with flexibility, empathy and awareness.
•  Authentic, values-driven leader who builds trust, fosters inclusion and contributes positively to club culture.
• High emotional intelligence, cultural awareness (including First Nations perspectives) and commitment to safe, inclusive environments.
• Growth mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and developing others across the playing group.
• Strong sense of accountability, maintaining high standards and ownership of outcomes.
• Professional and adaptable communicator, confident representing the club across media, community and stakeholder environments.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Level 2 Coaching (minimum)
• Experience in National or State league football programs.
• A strong understanding of coaching methods and training sessions that maximise on-field performance.

Culture & Benefits

Carlton’s values shape how the Club operates and how our people work, connect and support each another. We are passionate about our culture and committed to creating a genuine sense of belonging. Our people are supported through flexible working, learning and development opportunities, and a range of benefits, including membership, café, retail and partnership discounts, while working in a world-class sporting facility.