‘Gives me a bit of insight’: GV local Samantha Monaghan excited to begin club development lead role

The Shepparton native has filled the position that was introduced by AFL Victoria this year to help be a “voice for the clubs” and provide volunteers at affiliated clubs with on-the-ground support, assist club committees with specific issues and help up-skill volunteers through AFL programs and initiatives.

Monaghan joins the regional hub following a lengthy stint at Rugby Victoria as game development manager.

The recent mother of one said she couldn’t wait to officially start in the position next month.

“Definitely, coming from another sport and jumping into another code is really exciting and a chance to make it my own with this being a new role. I think it’s really exciting,” Monaghan said.

“Working with volunteers was a very big aspect (at Rugby Victoria), as it is with any sport, working with different stakeholders and community groups has been part of my role.

“The funding and why this role has come about is because it’s always been recognised that volunteers are the lifeblood of sport and especially in Aussie rules.

“Having someone who is on the ground and can get out to the clubs and find out what they need and what resources we can provide is going to be crucial.”

To most in the region, whether they be Northern Country Women’s League opponents or not, will instantly recognise Monaghan when she begins in the first week of September.

Having grown up in the Goulburn Valley, Monaghan understands the nuances and issues that face the region’s football and netball clubs.

One of AFLGM’s key prerequisites for the club development lead position was someone who has a passion for community football and netball and it’s safe to say they have ticked that box with Monaghan.

“I think it’s really important with this role, especially that you’re working with volunteers, that it is a local and a community member, who has grown up here, has played sport here, has volunteered here,” Monaghan said.

“It gives me a bit of insight into what some of our volunteers are dealing with, especially after COVID, I think there’s a lot of support that’s needed and I’m looking forward to being on the ground and help them out.

“I want to make sure I’m a face they know and a face they can start recognising, getting out to the games, the clubrooms, it will be really important in those early months.”

As well as being entrenched in the district sporting scene, Monaghan is well aware of glaring issues and concerns that face clubs.

Monaghan highlighted her thoughts on the biggest obstacle that faces clubs in 2023.

“I think it’s probably recruitment and retention of volunteers,” she said.

“Since COVID there’s been a real drop-off and this was across all sports. Helping clubs to identify key people and the key roles that are needed at those clubs ... finding new avenues and ways to connect and retain those volunteers is really important.”