Jaxon Madden's Journey: From Student to AFL operations
From a small town on the coast of Victoria to the bright lights of professional AFL, Jaxon Madden is carving out an inspiring path in the sports industry, blending a love for sport with education, coaching, and now, high-performance operations.
After completing Year 12 in 2022 at Brauer College, Jaxon wasted no time in jumping into study, where in 2023, he earned a Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support. Jaxon’s first job was far from the football field, working at a cafe in his hometown of Warrnambool. But it wasn’t long before sport came calling. He landed a role as a physical education trainee back at Brauer College, where he began coaching secondary school football and cricket teams and later co-coordinated school camps. These hands-on experiences ignited his passion for coaching and athlete development.
This passion led him to enrolling in the Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development at the Carlton College of Sport (CCoS) at the beginning of 2024.
Studying at CCoS in 2024 proved to be a turning point. The Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development offered both academic learning and real-world placement opportunities, including a standout experience helping run an Auskick program during half-time at an AFL game.
“The best part about CCoS was learning to build relationships in an elite sporting environment while studying something I was genuinely passionate about…” he says.
Now working as a VFL Operations Assistant at the Carlton Football Club, Jaxon is putting his skills to work. His responsibilities range from managing player apparel and game-day logistics, to liaising with AFL/VFL staff and supporting training operations, showing just how diverse an operations role can be.
Securing the position wasn’t just about experience, but rather the relationships built along the way.
I didn’t know anyone coming from Warrnambool,” he explains. “But I focused on building relationships during my studies, particularly with my mentors at CCoS, who then referred me for the role. The interview went well, and here I am.”
With a strong foundation in coaching, education, and now operations, Jaxon has clear goals; to stay in the AFL industry, and to continue working closely with players and coaches in roles that blend operations and coaching.
His advice for others aspiring to enter the sports industry is simple but powerful:
“Show your passion. Put in the hard work. Take every opportunity you can, build relationships, and back yourself.”
Alongside his role at Carlton, Jaxon is continuing to broaden his skillset by studying a Bachelor of Nutrition, a pathway made possible through the Higher Education Diplomas offered at CCoS. By completing a Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development, Jaxon was able to gain direct entry into the bachelor program, with the diploma providing credit towards his first year of university. This not only allowed him to fast-track his studies but also gave him the opportunity to develop practical skills in a professional sporting environment.
With a career that's just beginning and passionate determination, Jaxon is a rising figure in the sporting industry, and one to watch in the years ahead.
