The Sydney Swans are thrilled to announce Alanna Antcliff as the newly appointed Head of AFL Physiotherapy and Medical Services in the AFL program.

Antcliff, the first female to hold such a position at any club in the AFL, takes over from Damian Raper who relocated to the USA to pursue other opportunities. 

Antcliff has worked at the club for a number of years, starting as a consultant physiotherapist in the Football Department six seasons ago. 

“I’ve been at the club since 2020 and when the women’s program came into play, I played a key role in setting up the processes that sit around the women’s program from a health and performance perspective,” Antcliff said.

“Within my role I work really closely with the other physios within our team and the doctors … just to make sure that when we are making decision around the athletes and their availability to train and perform, that health is also on the table”

Prior to joining the Swans, Antcliff was Head Physiotherapist with the Australian Diamonds Netball team for a decade and also spent time at the NSW Institute of Sport. 

Antcliff said she is thrilled to take on the new role this season.  

“This is no ordinary workplace; this is no ordinary team. It’s a real privilege to be able to me right amongst it and that’s not something I take for granted,” she said.

“When you look at what the athletes do on the field it’s really quite inspiring - they are these elite machines that deliver and do the most extraordinary things, but they’re not robots so we really need to look after their health."