Amanda Porter
Strength and Conditioning Coach/ Level 2 Sports Trainer
What does your role involve?
Pre-game warm up/ cool down. Strength and Conditioning training and First Aid.
How long have you been involved in AFL?
8 years ago
How did you first become involved in AFL?
My son started playing Auskick, which lead to club training and running water.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your role?
Improving my understanding of the game and public speaking in my role as trainer.
What has been your greatest achievement/s?
Having the opportunity to work with the gold coast suns academy.
What has been the most rewarding thing about working in football?
Watching the kid grow and improve their skills each year turning into young athletes.
Do you think being a woman helps you to bring a different perspective to your role and/or organisation?
Definitely a woman’s thought process has different layers and we choose what layer for different circumstances everything is not always black or white, this attribute can help bring a different perspective to the game.
What do you find most rewarding about your role in football?
When you have earned the respect of the players and they make you feel like one of the boys. also knowing you have played a small part in their development.
Who inspires you and why?
My peers in Mackay, David Harding, Darryl Griffiths, they are always encouraging and passionate about the kids and the development of AFL in our region.
What advice would you give to other women hoping to work (or working) in AFL?
Go for it, I started by volunteering to run water, and now i play a bigger role and who knows where it may lead you.if you have qualifications that are relevant to the sport talk your local AFL representative.
Why do you think it is important to have women in football?
For inspiration to young women and a belief that they can do anything and preform any male associated role, and because its fun and rewarding.
What do you see in the future for women in football?
More women involved at a higher level
What is the most important attribute in a leader?
Respect if you earn respect from your players and you respect them in return as a leader you can’t go wrong.
