Head of Development, Women's Football

About the business

Fiercely proud of our unique Western Suburbs heritage – the Western Bulldogs have represented Melbourne's West, our geographic heartland, for over 100 years. Our famous Bulldog fighting spirit mirrors that of the West – where hard work and standing up for what you believe in matters. We are the team of the Mighty West, for the West, which has been ingrained in our club for many years. However, our story is no longer only defined by where we come from. Our horizons have lifted, unprecedented opportunities await, and with that there is a moment in time to evolve.

While some things change, some stay the same. Our Club still exists to bring people together and create lasting memories, as much as it strives to win premierships. It's about our people, and their shared passion for the red, white and blue. It's about ambition, pride, determination, and having a place to call home. We'll always be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity. It's the story of what it means to be a Bulldog 'Through & Through'.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply for this fantastic role.

Your contribution to the team includes

The primary objective of this role is to support the Western Bulldogs Women's coaching team in the development of AFLW-listed players and identified talent. This includes enhancing on-field performance with a strong emphasis on skill acquisition, game understanding, and holistic player development, all within a high-performance and inclusive environment.

As Head Coach of the VFLW team, the role is responsible for coaching the Western Bulldogs VFLW team, ensuring alignment in game style, coaching philosophy, and player development between the AFLW and VFLW programs. The position also contributes to the delivery and evolution of the Western Bulldogs Football & Coaching Strategy at the AFLW and VFLW level.

This role is also responsible for:

• Working within the AFLW program as a development coach with a strong focus on skill acquisition and development of fundamentals.
• Leading the VFLW coaching program with a focus on skill acquisition, decision-making, and game strategy.
• Attending AFLW Scrimmages and other identified games, supporting non-selected and individuals returning from injury.
• Collaborating with AFLW program staff and attend AFLW training sessions on identified days.
• Running small group and 1-on-1 development sessions for AFLW players.
• Designing and implementing weekly education sessions, skills sessions, and touch points to accelerate the rate of improvement of our players.
• Ensuring the effective implementation and ongoing management of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all players, with structured processes in place for pre-season, mid-season, and end-of-season reviews.
• Monitoring and evaluating player progress through performance data, game reviews, IDP evaluations and training assessments.
• Working closely with the AFLW Senior Coach, managing AFLW listed players selected in the Club's VFLW games, ensuring these players are selected to play to positions as requested by the AFLW Senior Coach (as per AFLW player individual development plans).
• Designing and implementing a unified development philosophy and strategy across AFLW and VFLW programs.
• Collaborating with AFLW Head Coach and staff to align training, match play, and development plans.

Skills and experience

• Minimum Level 2 Coaching Accreditation
• Tertiary in Human Development, Human Movement, or Physical Education are preferred
• Experience in coaching in the AFL/AFLW, State Leagues or in the talent pathway programs.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of talented footballer identification and development processes and practice.
• Knowledge of current coaching practices, strategies and systems at AFLW competition level and implement where appropriate.

What's on offer

• Flexible working arrangements – up to 2 days working remotely opportunity
• Additional Work Life Leave - provided to those who are required to work weekends
• Birthday Leave - a day of leave available in the week of your birthday
• Close to West Footscray Station with free onsite parking available
• Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Deals & Discounts with Club corporate sponsors - over 40% in some cases
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer's Leave available
• Wellbeing focus including - we support our staff to complete a proactive wellbeing plan, access to club gym, wellbeing sessions and activities across the year

How to Apply

Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.

If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please select where indicated & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 14 November 2025.

Western Bulldogs acknowledges that we reside on traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.