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Geelong Cats

2024 Women's Coaching Program

Be part of an AFL accredited course offering coaches of Women & Girl footballers an exciting opportunity to gain high level coaching insights and experience within an AFt high performance environment.

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Barwon Heads Star Oliver Wiltshire Realises AFL Dream

Article by AFL Victoria

One of the most stunning moments in the 2023 AFL Draft came when Geelong picked a player straight out of community football, from their own backyard, with Oliver Wiltshire taken with one of the final few picks at number 61 overall.

 
21-year-old Wiltshire enjoyed an outstanding 2023 season for Barwon Heads Football Netball Club in the Bellarine Football League, playing not far from the Cats' home ground GMHBA Stadium, which has become his new workplace. His 51-goal campaign in the strong community league this year helped to push his side to a preliminary final.
 
Wiltshire is a success story of his local area and club, having played most of his junior football for Barwon Heads. He played for Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League pathway competition in 2021 but otherwise has mainly honed his craft on local grounds in the Bellarine region and playing for his school, St Joseph's College, which is just down the road. 
 
Geelong Cats Recruiting Manager Stephen Wells said the Cats were very happy to give Oli his chance.
 
"Oli had an opportunity at the Geelong Falcons a couple of years ago, we think his skill and football brain on display at Barwon Heads over the past couple of years has been outstanding and he deserves his chance," said Wells.
 
The man of the moment did his first media conference as a Geelong player in the days following the draft and said "it was an unreal feeling" to have his named called out on draft night. 
 
"I've barracked for the Cats all my life, mum and dad have, I went to school just down the road at Joeys (St Joseph's) so I know this place pretty well and so rapt to be here," Wiltshire said.
 
Geelong legend Matthew Scarlett was an assistant coach at Barwon Heads and had encouraged Wiltshire to pursue his AFL dream. Wiltshire said he sensed there may be some interest after his 12-goal performance against Modewarre early in the season. 
 
"After the Modewarre game... I kicked a few goals and had a few whispers coming my way and then a few games after that, had a few more.
 
"After Falcons I went down and played at Barwon Heads and I loved playing there, loved playing with all my mates down there and just played for the love of the game. Lucky enough that Scarlo has come down."
 
Wiltshire follows in the footsteps of new teammate Tom Stewart, who also played senior community football in the Geelong region before the Cats selected him. 

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Come & Play - Geelong Cats to host an Auskick Superclinic

Get ready Geelong, the Cats are hosting a Superclinic this March!

As a 2024 registered NAB AFL Auskick participant you will have exclusive access to our Come & PLAY clinic delivered by expert AFL coaches with Geelong players!

Where:GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
When: Monday, 25th March
Time:4:00-5:00pm (registrations from 3.30pm
Ages: 5 - 12 years old 

Please register below to confirm your attendance, as spots are limited to only 300. We look forward to seeing you at GMHBA Stadium! Please complete one form per participant.

Please note that this exclusive offer is only for 2024 Auskick registered participants aged 5 - 12 years old. Further information will be shared via email once you have registered below. 

Auskick registration: https://play.afl/ 

Superclinic registration: https://forms.office.com/r/mp2rtm2hjq

Geelong Cats Academy Coaching Opportunities

The Geelong Cats Academy is excited to offer a number of coaching opportunities across our 2026 Futures Academy, Development Squad and Emerging Talent Squad programs for both Boys and Girls.

We are seeking passionate and committed coaches to join our Academy team in delivering high-quality football development experiences for talented young athletes across our Cats Academy zone.  

Each program will involve 3-weeks of training into a match in the September school holidays (exact dates TBC). The U18 & U15 squads will take on the Western Bulldogs Academy whilst the U14 Emerging Talent Squad will be a Cats Academy match.

Training hubs will be held in Geelong, Warrnambool and Horsham.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
2026 Geelong Cats Academy Coaching Opportunities – Fill in form

Please see the list of available positions below:
  • U18 Boys Futures Academy Coaching Team
  • U18 Girls Futures Academy Coaching Team
  • U15 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
  • U15 Girls Development Talent Squad Coaching Team
  • U14 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team

Girls Training: Monday & Wednesday 4:30PM-6:30PM @ Deakin University (Geelong), Reid Oval (Warrnambool), Horsham City Oval (Horsham)
Boys Training: Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:30PM @ Deakin University & GMHBA Stadium (Geelong), Reid Oval (Warrnambool), Horsham City Oval (Horsham)

Coaches will also be expected to attend a coach development session led by Geelong Cats staff, and be encouraged to attend community football matches to observe nominated players and assist in the talent identification process. 

Applications for these positions are now open, and close on Sunday 16 August.

To apply for one or more of these roles, pleaseclick here.

* Please note coaches will need to have a valid WWCC and be accredited with Coach AFL to be considered for these roles.

All personal information will be treated in accordance with The Privacy Act 1988 and the Geelong Football Club Privacy Policy. A copy of thePrivacy Policy can be found on the Club website:https://www.geelongcats.com.au/privacy

2026 Cats Academy Coaching Teams

Purpose

This honorarium position is to collaboratively lead the Geelong Cats Academy Boys and Girls talent programs by delivering a player-centred environment that supports development at all stages of the pathway. Coaching teams will provide high-performance experiences for players progressing toward elite junior football, while also fostering foundational skill development, confidence and connection for emerging talent. Together, coaches will plan and deliver training, mentor athletes, and contribute to the overall vision and values of the Geelong Cats Academy. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify and select players through training, trials and game observations
  • Plan and deliver structured, progressive training sessions
  • Share coaching responsibilities across all aspects of preparation and match day execution
  • Promote the values of connection, learning and resilience within the squad
  • Provide individual player feedback and support player development plans
  • Assist in preparing player evaluations and end-of-program reports

Requirements

  • Demonstrated coaching experience with junior athletes
  • Strong teamwork, communication and planning skills
  • Knowledge and experience in the Geelong Cats Academy zone, including insights into clubs, schools and pathways
  • Understanding of the Talent League and player pathway expectations

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