The AFL in partnership with the AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA), is proud to announce the five recipients of the new First Nations Coaching Scholarship Program.
A new initiative under the AFL’s First Nations Impact Fund, the scholarship program is designed to build a stronger, more visible elite coaching pathway for First Nations people across the industry.
A joint investment by the AFL and AFLCA, the program includes access to development opportunities through the AFLCA, including the AFLCA Study Tours and the AFLCA Next Coach Program.
Each recipient can also access up to $15,000 to support their engagement in these development opportunities, helping to build coaching knowledge, capability and practical experience.
The five inaugural First Nations Coaching Scholarship recipients are:
Brady Grey (Collingwood)
Palawa
Brady is Collingwood’s Indigenous Player Development Manager and AFLW Assistant Coach.
Jarrod Lienert (North Melbourne)
Ngarrindjeri
Jarrod is North Melbourne’s Indigenous Player Development Manager/Development Coach.
Georgie Prespakis (Geelong Cats)
Dja Dja Wurrung
Georgie balances playing AFLW with the Geelong Cats with her role as a Development Coach with the Cats’ VFLW team and leading the club’s Next Generation Academy.
Samuel Stubbs (Fremantle)
Wangkatha
Samuel is a former WAFL player who spent time at the Fremantle Football Club in 2023 as an SSP train-on player. Samuel is the senior coach of the Mines Rovers Football Club.
Jason Williams (Hawthorn)
Wilman-Noongar
Jason is an AFL Development Coach at the Hawthorn Football Club.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said:
“The extraordinary contribution First Nations people have made, and continue to make, strengthens our game in so many ways.
“We are delighted to be awarding this opportunity to five individuals who have great passion, potential and ambition to progress through elite coaching pathways. Brady, Jarrod, Georgie, Samuel and Jason are outstanding recipients who have each demonstrated a significant body of work in coaching through their applications.
“The recipients make a significant contribution each and every day to their respective clubs and communities, and the opportunity to further expand their knowledge and skillset will only strengthen their capabilities and future opportunities across the industry.”
AFL General Manager of First Nations Engagement and Inclusion Taryn Lee said:
“We are incredibly proud of this program and sincerely congratulate all successful recipients of this industry investment in First Nations leadership.
“Alongside the AFL Coaches Association, we recognise there is work to be done in improving the coaching talent pipeline for First Nations people at the elite level.
“This program reflects our commitment under the AFL’s First Nations Strategy to retain and grow First Nations leadership in the game and the work the AFL First Nations Impact Fund is doing in attracting, retaining and valuing First Nations talent.”
AFLCA CEO Alistair Nicholson said:
“The AFLCA is committed to bolstering the coaching pathway and providing opportunities for all coaches to grow and prosper.
“The First Nations Coaching Scholarship Program is a wonderful way to recognise and support those individuals who have shown their desire to coach.
“We will continue to work with the AFL and the rest of the football industry to attract and identify the best people and support them in elite coaching environments.”
Scholarship recipient and Geelong Cats AFLW player Georgie Prespakis said:
"I’m so honoured to receive this scholarship and excited by the opportunities it offers me to develop not only as a coach but also as a person and player.
“I’m extremely passionate about giving back to footy and through this opportunity, I’m looking forward to supporting and inspiring players at all levels to help create positive experiences for the next generation.”