WAFLW Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Role

About The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic Strength & Conditioning Coach to join our WAFLW High Performance Team for the 2026 season.

The Head Strength & Conditioning coach will be responsible for leading the WAFLW physical preparation program, ensuring the athletes are optimally prepared to perform at the highest level of Australian Rules Football.
This role requires experience and expertise in designing, implementing and monitoring all S&C and reconditioning programs. You’ll be an integral part of the club’s High-Performance Team, responsible for driving an elite-level program to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk and drive a high-performance culture. The position will report to our High-Performance Manager and Women’s Coordinator, working closely alongside the Head Coach, Head Physiotherapist and other S&C assistants.

Season 2026: Pre-Season, In-Season, Off-Season (1st Nov 2025 to 30th Aug 2026)

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery
• Lead the development and implementation of a world-class strength and conditioning program tailored to the unique demands of WAFLW.
• Integrate physical preparation strategies into the football program in alignment with game style, periodisation, and individual athlete needs.
• Design and oversee conditioning, speed, agility, and power development programs that maximise performance and resilience.
• Oversee the integration of return-to-play and rehabilitation programming in collaboration with medical and physiotherapy staff.
Monitoring, Data & Research
• Lead athlete monitoring systems (including GPS, wellness, load management, and testing data) to inform training decisions and mitigate injury risk.
• Conduct regular performance testing and benchmarking across key athletic qualities.
• Stay at the forefront of sports science and conditioning research to continuously refine and innovate the club’s high-performance strategies.
• Provide coaches and senior management with clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations on player readiness, development, and workload.
Leadership & Collaboration
• Build and maintain exceptional working relationships with players, coaches, and multidisciplinary staff to ensure alignment and collaboration across departments.
• Manage and mentor strength & conditioning staff, students, and support personnel to uphold elite standards and professional growth.
• Contribute to the club’s high-performance vision, ensuring seamless integration of physical preparation into tactical and technical training.
• Lead by example in living and reinforcing the club’s cultural standards and football trademark.
Skills and Experience

About You
• High-level communication skills, including the ability to educate, influence and inspire athletes and staff.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high demand environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to lead a team.
• Elite understanding of athlete development, load management and injury prevention.
• A growth mindset with an interest in high performance sport, load management and performance optimization.

What You Need

Essential:
• Minimum 2 years’ experience with equivalent state level sport or high-performance environments (including young athletes).
• Tertiary qualifications in Sports Science, Exercise Science or a related field.
• ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Certification
• Current ESSA or ASCA registration.
• Current First Aid and CPR Qualifications.
• High-level of success in leading a high-performance team and delivering high-performance outcomes.
• Collaboration and communication – Clear communication between head roles (HPM, Women’s Coordinator, Head Coach, Head Physio).
• Experience using GPS, athlete monitoring tools and performance testing systems.

Desirable:
• ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Certification.
• Experience with national level athletes.
• Previous experience working with female athletes.

The successful candidate will be expected to embrace and uphold the Club’s Football Trademark, demonstrating the desired values and setting elite standards in all aspects of their work. They will actively align with the Club’s values and vision, contributing to sustained success both on and off the field. This role requires a thorough understanding of the Football Trademark and the ability to assist and support players in consistently meeting and living those standards.

To Apply
Applications should include a current CV with a cover letter that addresses why you are interested in working with Peel Thunder Football Club, why you would be an asset to our culture and how your skills/experience would contribute to the position. Please email your application through to Megan via email highperformancemanager@peelthunder.com.au.