Careers in Sport Excursion

Wednesday 23rd October: GMHBA Stadium Girls Excursion “Careers in Sport” 

30 Young Girls had the privilege of touring GMHBA Stadium with AFLW player Kate Darby and Club’s Community Engagement Officer: Mel Taylor. From boot room to the pod cast couches, the girls wandered the halls of the club’s inner sanctum. Kate showed off the new parent’s room and girls refurbished locker rooms, while occasionally bumping into some of the club’s most unmissable players in Rhys Stanley and Sam DeKoning. Kate spoke about the numerous staff that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make match day run smoothly and the booming Cats brand and partners household names. Mel put together a line-up of staff to talk to the group about their jobs, what they entailed and the pathways that got them to where they are today.  

Kate grew up in Macedon as a self-proclaimed “footy nut” who barracked for the Doggies. Kate played 2 years of junior footy for Riddells Creek Bombers with the boys up until U12’s. Due to the fact there were no pathways for girls at this time, Kate’s football career ended here with an under 12’s premiership win.  

Kate always loved sport growing up. She was a tennis coach in the Macedon Ranges and attended Vic Uni with a real curiosity of the human body and sport science. Kate moved to Torquay and worked a variety of different jobs, from junior coaching roles to waitressing at the Torquay RACV Resort.  

Through connections, Kate was given a chance opportunity to “have a kick” at IKON park and this led to her being selected by the Carlton Football Club in the first year of the AFLW draft. In her second year she was picked up by the Cats and on the playing list in 2019.

Kate had one season off to have her daughter Ella, and through pure persistence and determination was playing again some 10 months later. The club’s ongoing refurbishment now includes a “schmick, 5 stars” parents’ room for mums and dads who need to bring their little ones in during training, meetings and games.  Kate celebrated her 50th AFLW game for the Geelong Cats on the weekend, defeating Brisbane. Her now three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ella, was there with her to run through the banner and sing the team song at the end of the game.  

Lachie: Football Operations 

- originally a trainee at AFL Barwon 

- previous roles in governance of junior football league; football operations, grading over 300 + teams coordinating gradings and fixtures 

- now in charge of all property, equipment, clothing for both the men’s and women’s teams at the Cats.   

Brad: Digital Co-ordinator 

- began his career at his local soccer club doing photography and running their social media pages where he built up a portfolio of work 

- studied sports media at university 

- had an opportunity to work at Cricket Australia over a summer test series 

- now full time since Jan 2024 as 1 of 2 staff in the social media team responsible for the club's website and social media platforms.   

Hannah: Events Co-ordinator 

- grew up in Regional Victoria and attended university at Deakin studying a double degree for 4 years in sports management and sports science 

- knew she loved sport and wanted to work “somewhere in that field” 

- volunteered at the Hawthorn Football Club (boo) working in reception, merchandise and landed an internship in the sponsorship area of the club 

- then moved into the finance department at the Hawks until losing her job in 2020 due to COVID staffing cuts 

- in 2021 she got a job at the Cats in memberships and became a customer services coordinator 

- now in a team of 5 event co-ordinators who manage down to every minute detail of corporate events  

- Major club events including the Carji Greeves Best and Fairest Awards Night and Presidents Functions on game day 2hrs prior to the match.   

Eliza: Community Team 

- attended Fed Uni where she studied sports management and business for 4 years 

- did an online internship with Gymnastics Australia during COVID 

- worked at the YMCA in Geelong in stadium sports and gymnastics  

- currently the Deakin Cats Community Centre Coordinator working to manage bookings and events, provide ‘sensory zones’ at the ground, and create partnerships within the community.   

Advice and Takeaway Messages: 

- Taking opportunities wherever they may be even if they are not in the exact field/area/sport you dream of 

- Experience! Take on volunteer roles no matter how small you may think they are 

- Build a portfolio 

- What skills can you demonstrate and who can attest to this? Have someone other than Mum or Dad as a Referee 

- Ask questions 

- Work your butt off no matter what the role/ job 

- People talk 

- Look at the values or guiding principles of a club, organisation, workplace and make sure they align with your own personal values.  

- Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. 

The girls and Gisborne Secondary College are incredibly appreciative of Kate and Mel who made the day possible and a huge success. Thanks to staff Georgia Gordon, Kellie Riley and Jane Walters.