Introduction

The GIANTS are a club like no other.

Proudly representing Western Sydney and Canberra, we're bold in our ambitions, relentless in our pursuit of success and committed to creating a lasting impact on and off the field.

Our AFL and AFLW teams compete with courage, determination, and an unmistakable GIANTS spirit. Our players, coaches and staff challenge expectations, pursue growth and strive to perform at the highest level, while creating unforgettable moments for our members and fans.

Beyond football, we are deeply connected to the communities we represent. Through meaningful partnerships, community programs, and genuine engagement, we create opportunities for people to thrive and communities to grow.

Based at our elite training facility in Sydney Olympic Park, the GIANTS bring together passionate and talented people who share a commitment to teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether on the field, in the office or in the community, every member of our team plays a role in shaping the future of our club.

At the heart of our brand is the belief that there's a GIANT in all of us. By living our values and commitments, we will deliver on our purpose: to create a club like no other that provides outstanding family entertainment, wins premierships, and enriches the lives of people across Western Sydney, Canberra, and the broader community.

Position Purpose

The Indigenous Player Development Manager (IPDM) is responsible for facilitating the holistic development of all First Nations players in the Club’s AFL and AFLW playing list. The IPDM role exists to support Indigenous players with their non-athletic and off-field endeavours and to facilitate the cultural, vocational, educational, health, and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) needs of all First Nations players. The role will deliver on the Club’s player development and wellbeing strategy to promote the health and wellbeing of its Indigenous players.

The IDPM plays a critical role in the Club’s cultural safety and capability.



The role will promote an Indigenous players’ voice in club decision-making and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure culturally appropriate support systems and Indigenous cultural practices are in place to meet the holistic needs of all Fist Nations players.

The role will engage with a range of internal and external multidisciplinary providers and support personnel to advocate for, coordinate and facilitate the holistic needs of First Nations players. Hence the IPDM will need excellent skills in cultural competence in order to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with First Nations players, and other key stakeholders including: club PDMs, club Doctors, club psychologists, coaches, management and staff. External key relationships that will ensure the success of the role include external health, vocational and educational providers, partners, kinship and family networks, elders, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) practitioners, and player agents.

Position Overview

Reports to:

- Executive General Manager, AFLW & Football Operations

Other Key Relationships:

Internal:

- GIANTS Executive and Management Team
- GIANTS Football and Business Departments
- Playing Groups: AFL, AFLW and VFL

External:

- Australian Football League
- AFL NSW/ ACT
- AFL and AFLW Indigenous Players across the competition
- AFL and AFLW Club Player Development Managers
- AFL and AFLW Club football department
- Club multidisciplinary healthcare providers
- AFL Players Association Regional Manager
- AFL Social and Emotional Wellbeing Practice Lead and Mental Health and Wellbeing Team
- Social Policy and Inclusion Team within the AFL





Roles and Responsibilities

- Facilitate the holistic development of all First Nations players in the Club’s AFL and AFLW playing list.
- Advocate, facilitate and support Indigenous players with their non-athletic and off-field endeavours, including, but not limited to, their cultural, vocational, educational, health, and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) needs.
- Promote Indigenous players’ voice in club decision-making.
- Contribute to practices that develop the cultural capability, competence and safety in th club (e.g. policies, training, advocacy; cultural leadership etc).
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the club’s player development and wellbeing strategy, with particular focus on the cultural, social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous players.
- Advocate, facilitate and support Indigenous players’ holistic needs, ensuring culturally appropriate support systems and Indigenous cultural practices are upheld (e.g. culturally significant practices are celebrated or recognised. Funerals, sorry business, cultural leave etc. are upheld).
- Work closely with the AFL and AFLPA to align development opportunities for Indigenous players (i.e. career, vocational and education programs, scholarships, traineeships etc.).
- Seek opportunities to connect with industry and community networks to maximise growth and development.
- Actively participate in the industry community of practice with other Club Indigenous Player Development Managers to advance the Industry in cross-cultural capability.
- Participate in AFL training and leadership opportunities.
- Work closely with the club to support understanding of cross-cultural needs.
- Provide support to the welfare and player excellence team across AFL, AFLW and VFL.
- Act as the welfare contact for VFL listed players to support housing, relocation, work opportunities and welfare issues.
- Act as the primary welfare contact for the VFL program on match days home and away and travel with the team.

📌 Indigenous Player Development Manager (Sydney Olympic Park)
🏢 GWS GIANTS
📍 Sydney Olympic Park