On a serious note. ... unless of course you're serious. .... what sort of formal/professional qualifications do these positions usually require?
Or is it like as has transpired at the AFL in that there's people who made coffee and delivered the mail and moved up through the ranks as we AFL members probably contributed to their ongoing education?
Generally a high level qualification in sports science or exercise physiology or the like. The actual qualifications vary quite a lot, Darren Burgess has a PHD in sports science I think, Rob Inness was a Phys Ed teacher who did a Masters in strength and conditioning. Coming from teaching is a pretty common path.
Just ignore if too personal:
Have you applied for the job in the past TBR? From what I can work out you have qualifications that could land you the job.
No, definitely not at Richmond Tommy. This isn't quite my field and I'm unable to work now but I would never work at Richmond. It would be impossible to balance the emotional investment in the result with the clear judgement required to make sound decisions.
Even as a 'neutral' person working at an AFL club, it is very hard not to get caught up in the desire to win the game and you are constantly guarding against it. It was very difficult at times with the Australian Cricket team but the slower nature of the game gives you time to reflect. If Richmond was involved I think my judgement would inevitably suffer and the likelihood of a poor decision in the heat of the moment too high.