North Melbourne's Jarrod Lienert is among the first five recipients of the new First Nations Coaching Scholarship, awarded by the AFL in partnership with the AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA).

Lienert, who joined North Melbourne’s VFL program as a playing assistant coach in 2023, is now North Melbourne’s Indigenous Player Development Manager. He also assists in the development coaching team under head of development Tom Lynch.

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. 

Lienert will be joined by Brady Grey (Collingwood), Georgie Prespakis (Geelong), Samuel Stubbs (Fremantle) and Jason Williams (Hawthorn) in the program. 

The announcement comes as the second weekend of AFLW Indigenous Round kicks off on Saturday, providing another opportunity to recognise the contribution of First Nations peoples in strengthening Australian Rules Football.

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.”