A large group of AFL coaches are feeling unappreciated and unrewarded, according to a recent survey.
Detailing the levels of dissatisfaction among the cohort of over 200 coaches at a senior and assistant level, the results have rung alarm bells for the AFL coaches association.
The survery questioned job satisfaction on all levels, with results painting a bleak picture of their emotions towards their work.
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According to 9News Melbourne’s Tom Morris, the “standout finding” that is a cause for concern is the disatisfaction with their pay.
“I understand the average pay for senior coaches in 2024 was $750,000 and $183,000 for assistants,” Morris said.
Ross Lyon, Senior Coach of the Saints speaks with assistant coach Robert Harvey. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“And even though this dwarfs the average Australian wage of $91,000, just seven per cent of the 200 coaches believe they were appropriately rewarded for their work.”
Additionally, there was an alarming drop in work-life balance satisfaction.
“Thirty seven per cent of coaches said they had an acceptable work-life balance. That’s down from 60 per cent in 2019,” Morris said.
Morris also revealed that some assistant coaches find their work “cut throat” for the amount of time and energy they expel.
Steven King is currently an assistant coach at Geelong. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Three assistants told me they work 60 hours a week for 10 months per year and it’s cut throat,” he said.
Another fear is that many assistant coaches feel disrespecting by the AFL for their impact on clubs and the league.
“Concerning for the AFL, just one in five said they flet well regarded by the league,” Morris said.
“While senior coaches are extremely well looked after, the assistant coaches feel they’re clearly undervalued.
Ken Hinkley addresses Port assistant Josh Carr. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Particularly since Covid, despite the rest of the industry profiting, especially the players.”
So what is the solution for a seemingly impossible fix?
According to Morris, the AFL coaches association has swiftly stepped in, calling for immediate action.
“It’s why the AFL coaches association is calling for a coordinated strategy to drive improvements and believe this impacts the attractiveness of the profession,” he said.
