By day, Nicola Worsley works for the Australian Defence Force, but in her down time, she is the Senior Men’s Coach at University Cougars in the Darling Downs.
Currently completing her Level 2 Coaching Accreditation with the AFL, Nicola began her coaching journey in high school through netball. She joined the Army at 18 and got her first taste of Australian Rules Football.
“I was first exposed to AFL in 2013 when my best mate, Kate McGrath, dragged me down for a run with the ADFA/RMC Rams AFC in Canberra,” she said.
“I played on and off around injuries and work from 2013 through to 2023 in Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne. My coaching journey in AFL first started with the Melbourne University Women’s Football Club (MUWFC) in 2022.
“Since starting coaching, I’ve spent time coaching juniors, youth and seniors across men’s, mixed and women’s teams at the social, club, district representative, academy and state levels in different roles.”
Nicola moved to Toowoomba in 2024 and took charge of the University Cougars’ senior men’s side as Head Coach in the AFLQ Darling Downs competition.
“It was a new experience moving from Victoria to the Darling Downs during pre-season, and the first challenge was my lack of understanding of the region, the context of the league and the opposition,” Nicola said.
“I was able to lean on the playing leadership group, my manager and committee members to help shape my understanding quickly and allowed me to tailor my coaching / approach for the players.
“When I first joined the club, I observed training, met with the senior players to understand their expectations as well as consulting two of my mentors to seek their advice; James Debono (Former Assistant and Forward Coach at Collingwood) and Colleen Gwynne – who were both able to give me different perspectives and questions to ask myself.”
Nicola commenced her Level 2 Coaching Accreditation earlier this year, which incorporates:
- Coaching philosophy
- Planning
- Relationships and communication
- Coaching at Training
- Game Day Coaching
- Reflective practice
She said the coaching education and military experience complement each other.
“The military and coaching education have both influenced my leadership style and approach to teamwork – both of which overlap with my approach to coaching,” she said.
“This approach can be summed up as have a player-centred or team-centred philosophy supported by care, communication, accountability and empowerment.
“Additionally, the military has helped me to develop resilience such as recognising how to “control the controllables” which enables me to support my players in working through tough situations on or off the field.”
AFL Queensland’s Coaching Development & Education Lead – North Jack Barry has supported Nicola as she transitioned to coaching in Queensland.
“Nicola has taken the opportunity to further develop her already extensive coaching experience through the Level 2 Coaching Accreditation,” he said.
“Running an inclusive program at the University Cougars, she has been embraced by the players and works collaboratively with them during training sessions.
“Nicola is a role model to many up-and-coming female coaches and was a guest speaker at a recent Coach Your Way session in Toowoomba.”
Nicola has credited the support of AFL Queensland and the education opportunities available in her growth as a coach.
“I’m grateful for the support of Jack and the coaching education opportunities that are available and encourage anyone considering giving coaching a go, to take the plunge,” she said.
“The Uni Cougars have been incredibly supportive, inclusive and welcoming of me in my role here. From the players through to the committee, I have felt embraced which is an invaluable feeling.
“That inclusivity and open communication, particularly with the senior players, has enabled us to collaboratively set a vision and define success, nested within the club’s culture and intent.”
To find out more about the coaching opportunities and education available, visit play.afl/coach.
