An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and passionate medical professional to join Essendon Football Club as the AFLW Doctor. This role is a key position within the Club’s AFLW medical and performance program, supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of elite female athletes in a high-performance environment.
PURPOSE OF ROLE
Working collaboratively with the AFLW Head of Medical Services, the AFLW Doctor is responsible for overseeing the overall health and wellbeing of the AFLW playing group to ensure players are optimally prepared for the physical and mental demands of elite competition.
The role provides specialist medical expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of player injuries and illness, and delivers clinical leadership and support to both internal and external allied health professionals. A high standard of reporting, governance and compliance is essential.
This role is critical to supporting player availability, safety and performance, and contributes directly to the ongoing success of the AFLW program.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The AFLW Doctor applies specialist knowledge and expertise to provide leadership and management across the following key areas.
Injury Diagnosis and Management
- Attendance at selected AFLW training sessions and game days to provide timely, accurate diagnosis and management of player injuries
- Integrate medical expertise with internal and external healthcare providers, including surgeons, medical specialists, allied health professionals, physiotherapists and high-performance staff, to optimise player availability and performance
- Make medical decisions in the best interests of the athlete to ensure safe participation in training and competition
- Contribute to individual player rehabilitation plans by conducting assessments as required and approving key milestones to ensure a safe and effective return to play
- Coordinate appointments for medical imaging, specialist consultations and other medical investigations
- Review and interpret medical imaging and reports, providing clear and relevant information to key stakeholders
Allied Health Support
- Work closely with the AFLW Performance Psychologist and external providers to oversee the development and management of mental health care plans for all AFLW players
- Liaise with external providers for women’s health matters
- Work in partnership with the AFLW Dietitian to ensure compliance with AFL supplement and medication protocols
Compliance and Reporting
- Lead concussion management with 100% compliance to the AFL Concussion Protocols, including screenings, education and return to play guidelines via the CSX system
- Ensure accurate, timely and confidential medical documentation and record keeping
- Oversee the planning and implementation of medical emergency procedures during training and matches
- Attend and contribute to medical education sessions (e.g. AFL Concussion education, SIA briefings)
- Provide advice regarding environmental conditions and playing surfaces as they relate to injury and illness risk
- Communicate medical equipment and supply requirements relevant to the medical department
- Attend AFLW Medical Team meetings and other departmental meetings as required to monitor and support the ongoing health and fitness of players
- Approve medical invoices for the purposes of financial reconciliation
KEY POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 3 years experience as a registered medical professional
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and adapt in a high-pressure environment
- Highly developed interpersonal, conflict management and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
- Availability outside standard working hours to provide support during critical incidents or emergencies
DESIRABLE
- Experience working in elite sport
- Experience working with female athletes
- Passionate and committed to the advancement of women’s sport
QUALIFICATIONS
- Sports Medicine or similar degree
- Current AHPRA registered
- Current First Aid Certificate
OTHER
- Current driver’s licence to travel to and from key stakeholder premises/meetings
- Current Working with Children Check or ability to obtain one; and
- Permanent Residency in Australia, or appropriate visa to work permanently.