TAL, the official Life Insurance Partner of the AFLW, has today announced new initiatives supporting athletes on and off the field through the TAL Assister Program.
Launched in 2023, the program compliments TAL's partnership with the AFLW, supporting AFLW players through sponsorship, flexible career opportunities and positive engagement. It includes sponsorship of AFLW doctors and physios providing on-field support, and of Workplay, powered by John Holland, to assist players build successful off-field careers. TAL is also funding a new career mentoring program.
This year, TAL has collaborated with AFLW athletes who have shared stories in a film celebrating the people whose off-field assists have made them the players they are today.
"It's often the small, everyday acts of support that help us be our best," said Hawthorn FC Captain, Emily Bates, who features in the TAL Assister film alongside GIANTS player, Aliesha Newman and Sydney Swans player, Ally Morphett.
TAL Chief Customer and Brand Officer Alex Homer said the TAL Assister Program is aligned with TAL's focus of helping Australians to be well protected and supported in building a life for themselves and their families.
"In sport, an assist symbolises teamwork and enabling others to shine. What we wanted to highlight in this campaign—and what we heard from AFLW players—is while an assist on the field is one thing, in life, it can often mean so much more," Mr Homer said.
This year, the TAL Assister Program will also fund 12 scholarships for emerging AFLW talent to receive bespoke leadership training dedicated to empowering emerging talent to reach their full potential by embracing their experiences and skills learned through sport.
"Our goal is to play a part in helping AFLW players to achieve in their careers, on and off the field," said Mr Homer.
TAL's three-year partnership with the code commenced in 2023, with sponsorship agreements with the AFLW, as well as with the Sydney Swans, GIANTS and Hawthorn FC AFLW teams.
TAL is an employer partner of Workplay, with several flexible employment opportunities available to AFLW players on the platform. Workplay addresses challenges facing many athletes, connecting them to flexible employment, education and career opportunities.
Learn more about how the TAL Assister Program is helping women play on.
AFLW Player TAL Assister Testimonials
Emily Bates - Hawthorn FC (Captain)
The recently appointed Hawks captain lost her father when she was 15 so he never got to see her get drafted. Her mum has been by her side every step of the way.
My dad passed away when I was 15 and never got to see me get drafted. My mum had to raise three children on her own. She took on the role of being my coach and getting me to training, all while working and navigating a new life for us. She's my number one assister.
Aliesha Newman - GIANTS
Aliesha is a proud Indigenous woman. Currently at her fourth club, she has had to fight hard for everything she's achieved. She reflects on the importance of her family heritage as a large part of her success. She painted a boot with the story of her family and has also provided Indigenous artwork for team uniforms.
A big driver for me is my family. I wouldn't be where I am now and understand my Indigenous heritage the way I do if it wasn't for them. They've always been with me, wherever I go.
Ally Morphett - Sydney Swans
Ally comes from a small town and reflects on the large support of her family taking her to and from training for years in full support of her athletic journey.
I'm from a small town and my parents would drive me 2.5 hours each way to get to training and 6 hours on weekends to Melbourne. They did that while working for two or three years until my draft year.
