Bree Van Ryswyk (left), Imogen Barnett (middle), Dr Bronwyn Anderson (right).
The 2026/2027 AFLW season opens this Sunday (9 August), with St Kilda hosting Carlton at Marvel Stadium, bringing another dose of elite competition to Australia’s high-performance calendar.
As the opening round approaches, a group of Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) personnel are also gearing up to play their part in what promises to be a compelling season. Five VIS staff continue to be embedded within the AFLW network across four clubs, each balancing their role at the VIS with a contribution to their club, whether that be on the sidelines, in the change rooms, or on the field.
At St Kilda, Bree Van Ryswyk brings her expertise to the club as a AFLW Psychologist, a role she balances alongside her position as Performance Psychologist at the VIS.
Collingwood is home to two VIS staff members, each contributing in very different ways. Imogen Barnett, HR Administrator at the VIS, also takes to the field as an AFLW player for the Magpies, while Dr Bronwyn Anderson, Sports Physician Registrar in the VIS Para Unit, serves as Collingwood’s Head Doctor, providing medical care across the club’s AFLW program.
At Essendon, Nick Ferrier holds the role of Performance Psychologist at both the VIS and the Bombers, supporting player wellbeing across both elite athlete settings.
Completing the group is Michael Inglis, Sport Psychologist at the VIS, who brings that expertise to the Western Bulldogs as the club’s Performance Psychologist.
Together, these five individuals reflect the breadth of Victoria’s high-performance sector, with VIS expertise and support extending well beyond the walls of Lakeside stadium and into the clubs and competitions that make up the state’s elite sporting landscape.
As the 2026/2027 AFLW season kicks off this weekend, VIS extends its best wishes to all four clubs, and to the staff who carry that connection into every match day.
