Emma Zielke
Admin/Female Development Officer for AFLQ
What does your role involve?
Admin duties, helping to organise Youth Girls competitions and School Girl competitions.
How long have you been involved in AFL?
I have been playing for 4 years and have only just started with the organisation and have been here for about 3 months.
How did you first become involved in AFL?
Wanted a change of sport, after my passion grew for the sport I realised I wanted to work within the AFL community.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your role?
Learning how everything runs. Organising a Sports Day Carnival for School Girls.
What has been the most rewarding about working in football?
Working closely with the Brisbane Lions, getting to be outside teaching kids how to play and love the sport.
Do you think being a woman helps you to bring a different perspective to your role and/or organisation?
Yes, it has helped especially with the young girls. They need to know that they can have a future within the AFL industry, and once they see me in my AFL gear they learn they can have a future.
What do you find most rewarding about your role in football?
Great environment and fantastic people.
What do hope to achieve in football?
Getting more girls/women involved in AFL.
Who inspires you and why?
Gary Ablett – his work rate is exceptional and he is a great role model.
What advice would you give to other women hoping to work (or working) in AFL?
If you are passionate about AFL, get involved. The more women out there in the business the better!
Why do you think it is important to have women in football?
To prove that women can do anything and that it’s not just a mens sport!
What do you see in the future for women in football?
Hopefully something like the W-League for soccer, an interstate competition showcasing the best female footy players from each state.
What is the most important attribute in a leader?
Lead from the front, always be there for your team and be a role model to all ages!
