Introducing Lachlan Harris, AFL SportsReady Alumni and his journey in Australian Rules Football. Starting as an 18-year-old Trainee back in 2007 (we’ll let you do the math on how old Lachlan is now) at AFL Queensland. Working his way to become the Senior Assistant AFLW Coach at St Kilda Football Club. His story shares with readers how gaining experience in different roles and building connections can create unexpected pathways and you never know who might tap you on the shoulder.
Harris began his career at AFL QLD (Zillmere), with memories of working out of a stinking hot change room. Looking back, he remembers how game development in Queensland was still in its early stages.
We’d visit four schools a day, then run Auskick sessions after school. By the end of the day, you were absolutely exhausted. But that one hour might be the only footy experience a kid has all week.
The energy you bring to that moment can have a big impact. That’s something I’ve carried into my coaching.
The traineeship taught him how to be organised and juggle multiple responsibilities,
but more importantly, it was the first step in a career shaped by saying yes to challenges.
I remember being 18 or 19, thinking how cool it was to be working for the AFL.
After completing his traineeship, Harris took on a role with the Western Australian Football Commission, a move that forced him to adapt quickly. At just 22, he moved to Perth to live alone for the first time!
My role at the WA Football Commission really made me grow up.
All of my roles have given me so much lived experience.
During his time at Peel Thunder Football Club (WAFL/WAFLW) in 2013, there was an opportunity in women’s footy. He worked on a draft proposal for the AFL, helping Peel Thunder FC position itself for a future AFLW licence. This was years before the competition even existed.
We forecasted it and were preparing for it. That’s when I started coaching junior women’s teams and my passion for the W footy really took off!
When the AFLW competition finally launched, Harris was ready. He started working with AFLW players, which led him to Melbourne and a role at Collingwood Football Club. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
Working as a Development Officer was the moment I knew I wanted to build a career in women’s footy.
Now in his fifth season at St Kilda Football Club, his role has evolved from assistant coach to overseeing football strategy, training coordination and recruitment. Alongside his current position as Senior Assistant AFLW Coach, he also works with the VFLW program as the Senior Coach of the Sandringham Football Club side.
His career has been built on taking opportunities, even when they meant relocating or stepping into unfamiliar roles. He even took study opportunities overseas while at university, expanding his knowledge and network.
If the opportunity is there, take it. That’s been my approach my whole career.
The variety of roles I’ve taken across the country and overseas, have helped me build networks that are still helping me now.
From pumping up footys in a hot, cramped change room to coaching at the highest levels, Harris knows the value of putting in the work and embracing every opportunity that comes his way.
I didn’t play professional footy, but that hasn’t stopped me from building a successful career in coaching. I’ve worked hard to develop my skills, connect with the right people and create opportunities for myself
and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.
Success in the AFL industry isn’t about following a set path, it’s about taking chances, learning from every experience and staying open to new possibilities.
All AFL SportsReady graduates are welcome to become members of our exclusive alumni.
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