The WAFL Head Coach works closely with the Head of Football, Reserves Coach, Assistant Coaches, IT/Analysis High-Performance Manager, Head Physiotherapist, Colts Coach, support staff and wider Football Club staff to lead and drive the creation of a positive learning, wellbeing and growth environment.

About the West Perth Football Club

Established in 1885, the West Perth Football Club is the oldest and proudest club in the West Australian Football League.

With a rich history, a passionate supporter base and an unwavering commitment to success, West Perth has produced generations of outstanding players, coaches and leaders. Our identity has been built on courage, resilience, hard work and a fierce determination to represent the red and blue with pride.

As the Club enters its next chapter, we are seeking an exceptional Senior Head Coach capable of honouring our history while building a high-performing football program equipped for sustained success.

This is more than a coaching role. It is an opportunity to lead one of Western Australian football’s most respected clubs.

Position Purpose

The Senior Head Coach is responsible for providing the leadership, direction and football expertise required to build and sustain a successful WAFL Men’s Program.

The successful candidate will establish a clear football identity, create an environment in which players and staff can perform at their best, and lead the planning and delivery of the Club’s on-field strategy.

The Senior Head Coach will work collaboratively with the Club’s executive, football department, coaches, players and broader talent pathway to create a connected and sustainable football program.

Success will be measured not only through match-day performance, but also through player development, leadership, culture, staff growth and the consistent standards demonstrated across the program.

Key Responsibilities

Football Strategy and Performance

• Develop and implement a clear, contemporary and sustainable football strategy.
• Establish a recognisable game style that reflects the strengths, values and identity of the West Perth Football Club.
• Lead all aspects of match preparation, including training design, team selection, opposition analysis and match-day coaching.
• Set clear performance expectations and ensure players and staff are accountable to agreed standards.
• Use performance data, vision and coaching insight to inform decision-making and drive improvement.
• Regularly review the performance of the program and adapt strategy where required.
• Create the conditions required for the Club to consistently compete for finals and premiership success.

Leadership and Culture

• Be the visible leader of the WAFL Men’s Program and a respected leader across the broader Club.
• Build a high-performance environment founded on trust, honesty, accountability, care and collective responsibility.
• Clearly communicate the behaviours and standards expected of every player and staff member.
• Develop strong relationships while remaining prepared to conduct courageous and constructive conversations.
• Promote a team-first culture in which individuals understand their role and contribution to the broader program.
• Demonstrate composure, integrity and strong judgement in high-pressure environments.
• Protect and strengthen the reputation of the West Perth Football Club through exemplary personal and professional conduct.

Player Development and Welfare

• Build genuine relationships with players and understand their individual strengths, development needs and motivations.
• Provide players with clear, consistent and actionable feedback.
• Oversee individual development planning in collaboration with assistant coaches and performance staff.
• Create meaningful opportunities for emerging players while maintaining high standards of selection and performance.
• Support the development of leadership capability across the playing group.
• Work closely with medical, strength and conditioning, welfare and football operations staff to support player availability and wellbeing.
• Recognise that sustainable performance requires an appropriate balance between challenge, support and care.

Coaching Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the WAFL coaching group.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes across the coaching team.
• Encourage healthy challenge, collaboration and the sharing of ideas.
• Provide assistant and development coaches with regular feedback and opportunities for professional growth.
• Conduct effective coaching meetings, reviews and planning sessions.
• Build a coaching environment that is aligned, innovative and relentlessly focused on improvement.
• Contribute to the identification and appointment of coaching staff in consultation with Club leadership.

List Management and Talent Integration

• Contribute strategically to player recruitment, retention and list management decisions.
• Work collaboratively with the Club’s football leadership to establish the optimal age, experience and positional profile of the playing list.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the WAFL talent landscape and the Club’s current and future list requirements.
• Support the transition of players from Colts and development programs into senior football.
• Build meaningful connections with the Club’s talent pathway coaches and programs.
• Ensure emerging players understand the standards and expectations required to become successful senior footballers.
• Support the development of a sustainable club-wide football model rather than a short-term approach to performance.

Club and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work constructively with the Chief Executive Officer, Board and football leadership.
• Provide clear and honest reporting regarding performance, player development, culture and emerging football matters.
• Represent West Perth positively with members, supporters, sponsors, community clubs, media and football stakeholders.
• Understand and embrace the importance of the Senior Head Coach to the identity and public profile of the Club.
• Participate in key Club functions, sponsor activities and community engagement opportunities.
• Develop respectful and productive relationships with the WA Football Commission, AFL clubs and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Remain connected and accessible to the West Perth community while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Governance and Administration

• Operate within the Club’s governance, financial and football department frameworks.
• Contribute to annual football planning, budgeting and program evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with WAFL rules, integrity requirements, safeguarding obligations and Club policies.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding player, staff and organisational matters.
• Complete agreed reporting, review and planning requirements in a professional and timely manner.

The Opportunity

The West Perth Football Club is seeking more than a match-day coach.

We are looking for a leader who can inspire belief, establish uncompromising standards and create a football program that our players, members and supporters are proud to call their own.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of one of Australian football’s great clubs—honouring the legacy created since 1885 while building the next successful era of the West Perth Football Club.

Lead the oldest. Represent the proudest. Build what comes next.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Demonstrated experience coaching within an elite, state-league, AFL/AFLW, VFL, SANFL, WAFL or comparable high-performance football environment.
• A strong understanding of contemporary Australian football strategy, training methodology and match-day coaching.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and unite a diverse playing group.
• A proven capacity to build high standards, accountability and a strong team culture.
• Experience leading and developing assistant coaches and multidisciplinary football staff.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide clear, honest and constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated commitment to player development, wellbeing and long-term program sustainability.
• Sound judgement, emotional intelligence and composure under pressure.
• The ability to work collaboratively with executive leaders, football staff and key stakeholders.
• Appropriate AFL coaching accreditation or a willingness to obtain the required accreditation.
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance, or the capacity to obtain them.

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience as a senior coach, senior assistant coach or line coach within a recognised high-performance program.
• Demonstrated involvement in building, rebuilding or significantly improving a football program.
• Experience contributing to strategic list management and recruitment decisions.
• A strong understanding of the WAFL competition and Western Australian football landscape.
• Experience integrating talented young players into senior football.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and contemporary coaching practice.
• Established relationships across the Australian football industry.