It’s an exciting time for Tasmanian football, and Charlotte Sayers is right at the heart of it.
Charlotte has taken on the role of Head Physiotherapist for the inaugural Tasmania Devils VFLW team, helping lead the medical and performance program as the Devils take their next major step towards the national football stage.
For Charlotte, the role is about much more than treating injuries. As Head Physiotherapist, she plays an important part in keeping players healthy, available and performing at their best throughout the season. From the training track to game day, she works closely with players, coaches, strength and conditioning staff and sports trainers to ensure the team is prepared for whatever the season throws their way.
Week to week, Charlotte’s role can involve everything from injury assessment and prevention to taping, rehabilitation and return-to-play planning. She also oversees the ongoing management of players who are recovering from injury, helping them progress through each stage of their rehabilitation and ultimately get back to doing what they love — playing football.
On game day, the pace steps up. Charlotte is responsible for pre-game preparation, supporting players on the sidelines and providing immediate assessment and acute care when injuries occur. It’s a role that requires clinical expertise, quick decision-making and the ability to stay calm when the pressure is on.
The inaugural VFLW season represents a huge milestone for Tasmanian football, and Charlotte’s position places her at the forefront of this exciting new chapter. With women’s football continuing to grow across the state, the Devils program provides an opportunity for talented Tasmanian athletes to compete at a higher level while being supported by a professional, high-performance environment.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in helping athletes stay ahead of injury. Managing training loads, building strength and addressing mobility or movement issues can all contribute to keeping players on the field and allowing them to perform consistently across a demanding season.
For Charlotte, being part of the Devils’ inaugural VFLW team is an opportunity to contribute to something much bigger than a single season. As Tasmanian football continues to build towards the arrival of the state’s AFL and AFLW teams, the VFLW program will be an important part of developing the players, people and systems that will help shape the future of the game in Tasmania.
There is no shortage of excitement surrounding the Devils, and with Charlotte helping lead the way behind the scenes, the team is in capable hands.
The journey has begun — and Tasmanian football has plenty to look forward to.
Charlotte Sayers
APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
