How much do AFLW coaches get paid?

5 min.

The AFL Women’s (AFLW) league has rapidly evolved since its launch in 2017, showcasing incredible talent and drawing ever-growing fan support. Alongside the players, AFLW coaches play a critical role in shaping the game and driving its success. But how much do these coaches get paid? While player salaries have been a hot topic of discussion, the compensation of AFLW coaches often flies under the radar.

This article delves into the salaries of AFLW coaches, exploring their responsibilities, comparisons to other coaching roles, and the broader context of pay within women’s sports. We’ll also examine how coaching salaries reflect the growth and challenges of AFLW as a professional league.

The Role of an AFLW Coach

AFLW coaches are responsible for far more than just tactics on game day. Their roles encompass player development, team culture, and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities of AFLW Coaches:

Strategic Planning:
Designing game strategies, analyzing opponents, and preparing for matches.
Player Development:
Mentoring athletes, improving skills, and supporting their physical and mental well-being.
Team Culture:
Building a cohesive team environment that promotes collaboration, inclusivity, and resilience.
Recruitment and Talent Identification:
Working with club management to identify and develop emerging talent.
Media and Community Engagement:
Representing the team in public appearances, interviews, and community outreach programs.

How Much Do AFLW Coaches Get Paid?

Average Salaries of AFLW Coaches

As of 2023, the salaries of AFLW coaches vary depending on the club, the coach’s experience, and their specific role within the team. Here’s a breakdown:

Head Coach:
- Salary Range: $60,000–$120,000 AUD per season
- Top-tier AFLW head coaches, especially those with significant AFL or elite-level coaching experience, earn closer to the higher end of this range.
Assistant Coaches:
- Salary Range: $20,000–$50,000 AUD per season
- Assistant coaches typically juggle part-time roles or other jobs due to the shorter AFLW season and lower pay compared to AFL assistants.
Development Coaches:
- Salary Range: $15,000–$30,000 AUD per season
- These roles are often part-time and focus on nurturing younger or less experienced players.

Factors Influencing AFLW Coaching Salaries

Length of the Season:
The AFLW season spans only 10 rounds plus finals, which limits the earning potential for coaches compared to full-time AFL roles.
Club Budgets:
AFLW clubs operate on tighter budgets compared to their AFL counterparts, affecting how much they can allocate to coaching staff.
Experience and Profile:
Coaches with AFL playing or coaching experience often command higher salaries due to their expertise and ability to attract players and sponsorships.

AFLW Coaching Salaries vs. AFL Coaching Salaries

The pay gap between AFL and AFLW coaching roles highlights the differences in resources and revenue between the two leagues.

AFL Head Coaches (Men’s League):
- Average Salary: $800,000–$1.2 million AUD annually
- Top Coaches (e.g., Alastair Clarkson): Over $1.5 million AUD annually.
AFLW Head Coaches:
- Average Salary: $80,000 AUD per season

Why the Gap Exists:

Revenue Disparities:
The AFL generates billions of dollars annually through broadcast rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, while AFLW is still growing its revenue streams.
Season Duration:
The AFL season includes 23 home-and-away rounds plus finals, compared to AFLW’s 10 rounds.
Historical Development:
The AFL has been a professional league for decades, while AFLW was established just six years ago.

How Do AFLW Coaching Salaries Compare to Other Women’s Sports?

While AFLW coaching salaries are modest compared to AFL, they are competitive within the broader context of women’s sports in Australia.

Netball (Suncorp Super Netball):
- Head Coach Salary: $80,000–$150,000 AUD annually
Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL – Cricket):
- Head Coach Salary: $100,000–$180,000 AUD annually
A-League Women (Football):
- Head Coach Salary: $60,000–$120,000 AUD annually

AFLW coaching salaries align closely with those of the A-League Women, reflecting the similar challenges and opportunities faced by both leagues.

The Growth of AFLW Coaching Salaries

Despite current limitations, AFLW coaching salaries have seen steady growth since the league’s inception. Several factors contribute to this upward trend:

1. Increased Investment in AFLW

Clubs and sponsors are investing more resources into women’s football, recognizing its potential for growth. Higher revenue leads to larger budgets for coaching and support staff.

2. Improved Professional Standards

As AFLW becomes more competitive, clubs are prioritizing experienced coaches, which drives up salaries.

3. Advocacy and Awareness

The AFL Coaches Association and AFLPA have been vocal in advocating for better pay and conditions for AFLW coaches, aligning with the broader push for gender equity in sports.

Challenges and Opportunities for AFLW Coaches

Challenges:

Part-Time Nature of Roles:
Many AFLW coaching positions are part-time, requiring coaches to juggle other jobs or commitments.
Revenue Constraints:
Clubs with limited budgets may struggle to offer competitive salaries, potentially losing talent to other leagues or sports.
Player Development Focus:
AFLW coaches often invest significant time in developing younger players, which can be resource-intensive.

Opportunities:

Pathways to AFL Roles:
Successful AFLW coaches may transition to AFL coaching or management positions, offering greater career opportunities.
Growing League Profile:
As AFLW continues to grow, coaching roles will likely become more lucrative and full-time.
Global Opportunities:
The rise of women’s football globally could open doors for AFLW coaches in international leagues or sports.

FAQs About AFLW Coaching Salaries

1. Do AFLW Coaches Work Year-Round?

Most AFLW coaching roles are seasonal, though head coaches often work during the off-season on recruitment, strategy, and player development.

2. Can AFLW Coaches Earn Bonuses?

Yes, coaches can earn performance-based bonuses for team success, such as reaching the finals or winning the premiership.

3. Are AFLW Coaching Roles Full-Time?

Currently, most AFLW coaching roles are part-time due to the shorter season, but this may change as the league grows.

Conclusion: How Much Do AFLW Coaches Get Paid?

AFLW coaching salaries range from $60,000 to $120,000 AUD per season for head coaches, with assistant and development coaches earning less. While these figures reflect the part-time nature of most roles and the league’s relative youth, they also highlight the growing recognition of coaching as a vital part of AFLW’s success.

As AFLW continues to grow in popularity and revenue, coaching salaries are expected to rise, offering greater financial rewards and professional opportunities. For now, AFLW coaches play a crucial role in building the future of women’s football in Australia, often balancing their passion for the sport with the financial realities of a developing league.

Call to Action (CTA)

What do you think about AFLW coaching salaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more updates on AFLW and coaching careers, visit the AFL Official Website.