AFL Senior Physiotherapist

About The Role

Reporting to the Head of High Performance and the Head Physiotherapist, the Essendon Football Club is seeking an experienced Sports Physiotherapist, to work within and support a world class physiotherapy and rehabilitation program within the High-Performance Department. Working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team the role spans injury diagnosis, rehabilitation, player management, screening, injury prevention and AFL Game Day Coverage.

Ensure a world-class physiotherapy service is provided in terms of the day-to-day diagnosis and management of player injuries.

• Provide accurate diagnosis and prognosis of player injuries in collaboration with the club medical staff.
• Conduct player physiotherapy treatment as directed by the head physiotherapist
• Plan and implement effective injury management and rehabilitation programs in consultation with the Head physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Coach and the High performance and medical teams
• Endorse a 'Return to Perform' approach to injury management that considers both the physical and psychological demands of AFL football.
  
  

Optimise the ability of players to succeed in a competitive AFL training environment.

• Be involved in the design and implementation of effective, targeted, and individualised injury prevention programs.
• Maintain high levels of detail and compliance surrounding primary and secondary injury prevention strategies.
  
  

Ensure a high level of communication and trust exists within key stakeholders within the football department.

• Maintain regular communication and a high level of transparency with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the Head Physiotherapist, Head of High Performance, Rehabilitation Coach, Football Department Staff as required
• Ensure all physiotherapy treatment notes are recorded into the provided software in a timely and professional manner.
  
  

Ensure that the activities of the Department are undertaken in accordance with the governance, policy and regulatory frameworks

• Identify and evaluate the key Financial, HSSE, Operational, Regulatory and Reputational risks to the Club and implement measures to control and reduce residual risks
• Report any hazards or injuries as per the Club's policy and procedure
• Ensure that all Staff and Volunteers are up-to-date with their Compliance Training and Education
• Maintain the injury management database and ensure that all club documents and files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained.
  
  

Essential

About you

• Strong practical injury diagnosis and management skills.
• 5-year history fo working within a related high performance sporting program.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide timely information to key stakeholders
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong and trusting relationships with both the playing group and other key stakeholders within the organisation.
• The ability to implement effective injury prevention strategies.
• Remain up to date with world-leading, evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
• The ability to record professional notes and maintain an effective injury management database.
• Consider the welfare and holistic management of a player in the context of the wider football program.
• Strong work ethic and a preparedness to work irregular hours according to the demands of professional football.
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (or equivalent).
• Current AHPRA registration as a physiotherapist.
• Current driver’s licence .
• Current Working with Children Check or ability to obtain one
• Permanent Residency in Australia, or appropriate visa to work permanently.
  
  

Desirable

• Tilted Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Degree (Masters)
  
  

About Us

The Essendon Football Club - “The Bombers” - are a professional sporting organisation in the Australian Football League, home to several teams, including AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and Wheelchair Football programs. But we’re more than the game. At Essendon, unity binds us. We firmly believe that our strength comes from standing together as One Club, embracing our rich diversity, and uniting around a shared purpose. Our passion fuels every kick, every play, and every decision.

The essence of the Essendon legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Australian sporting calendar, through significant events such as the ANZAC Day and Dreamtime clashes, underscoring our commemoration and connection to national identity. Our heritage sets us apart, shaping our ethos and inspiring our journey. We strive to be better every day, pushing the boundaries and relentlessly pursuing excellence. But amidst the intensity of competition, respect remains paramount. We care about our impact on others, whether it's our teammates, opponents, or our community. When we ‘Don the Sash’, we do so with unity, passion, excellence, and respect guiding our every move, Always Striving toward our next triumph on the premiership stage.

Please keep reading...

Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised folks tend to only apply when they tick every box. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't currently meet all the criterial, please still consider applying.

At the Essendon Football Club, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.

To Apply

Please submit your application as soon as possible as shortlisting will commence immediately. Please include in your cover letter why you are a great fit for this role, and why you want to work with Essendon Football Club. Cover letters should be no more than one page, outlining what you can bring to this position.

With our commitment to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld. This includes ensuring all our people hold a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

All applications will be treated with respect and confidentiality, and we endeavour to provide timely responses.

We politely ask not to be approached by recruitment agencies at this time.