After working in local footy for a few years, I was lucky enough to be offered a position as a sports trainer for the Brisbane Lions. As I want to work in elite sport this was a huge opportunity! I work with both the Men’s and Women’s teams and was even able to work the 2018 AFLW Grand final. There’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than just the trainers running around in their pink vests.
We arrive roughly 3 hours before the game starts. Being an interstate team, Brisbane brings down their gear for each game to Melbourne. We set up the rooms and bench and have a team meeting before the players arrive. We liaise with the physios, doctor and dietician. Everything until the first siren is scheduled down to the minute.
Once the players arrive the trainers assist the players with their individual prep. This involves taping, massage, stretching and anything else the players might require.
The atmosphere builds in the room’s right until Joker and the Thief by Wolfmother is played. Every game the last song before the players walk out is the same.
During the Game we are responsible for hydration and on ground injuries. We’re only allowed on the ground for injury, or if a player is lining up for goal/ a goal has been kicked. Surprisingly we often clear 10km running over the match! Additionally we also assist the physios with treatment. We are often the first out to the player when an Injury has occurred and pass on information to the doctors and physios as they get to the player.
After the game we hopefully sing the club song, help out with ice and post-game recovery (massage and food) and help pack up all equipment.
All together it ends up roughly being an eight hour day!
I would highly recommend that any Physio or Allied Health student wanting to get into sports consider taking on a trainer role. It’s a fantastic way to get hands on experience in a fast paced environment and a great networking opportunity.
Emily Irvine
Receptionist and Support Member at Back In Motion Clayton. | Sports Trainer for AFL and ALFW Brisbane Lions
Emily is currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Monash University and became interested in Physiotherapy during her time as a competitive trampolinist. Emily is a keen traveler and happy to have a chat with everyone passing through the clinic.
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