Hawthorn AFL Development Coach Jason Williams has been recognised as one of five inaugural recipients of the AFL/AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA) First Nations Coaching Scholarship. 

Williams, a proud Noongar man from Narrogin in Western Australia who joined the Hawks as an AFL Development Coach ahead of the 2026 season. 

His coaching background has seen him serve for Port Adelaide as a Development Coach, as well as overseeing Port’s Next Generation Academy prior to his role in the brown and gold.

He also worked as Assistant Coach in this year’s Indigenous All Stars game, has spearheaded the AFL’s Indigenous Talent Program as Head Coach, as well previous stints with the Northern Bullants in the VFL and the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League.

The First Nations Coaching Scholarship is 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.

The five inaugural First Nations Coaching Scholarship recipients are:

Brady Grey (Collingwood)

Palawa

Brady is Collingwood’s Indigenous Player Development Manager and AFLW Assistant Coach. 

Jarrod Lienert (North Melbourne)

Ngarrindjeri

Jarrod is North Melbourne’s Indigenous Player Development Manager/Development Coach.

Georgie Prespakis (Geelong Cats)

Dja Dja Wurrung

Georgie balances playing AFLW with the Geelong Cats with her role as a Development Coach with the Cats’ VFLW team and leading the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Samuel Stubbs (Fremantle)

Wangkatha

Samuel is a former WAFL player who spent time at the Fremantle Football Club in 2023 as an SSP train-on player. Samuel is the senior coach of the Mines Rovers Football Club.

Jason Williams (Hawthorn)

Wilman-Noongar  

Jason is an AFL Development Coach at the Hawthorn Football Club.

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.”