The topic is AFL Women’s.

It was published on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 4:30 am.

Caitlin Reid is one of many female athletes who have two jobs. She plays in the AFLW and works as a doctor.

When Caitlin is not playing football, she works at a hospital.

Many female athletes do not earn enough money from football to live on.

Caitlin said, 'Many of us who play in the AFLW do not earn enough to survive on football alone.'

Caitlin starts her day early, training with her football team.

After lunch, she goes to the hospital to work as a surgical registrar.

Caitlin said, 'I usually work six days a week.'

Caitlin trains with the Sydney Swans several days a week and works as a doctor.

When Caitlin was growing up, there was no girls' football league.

Caitlin used to play basketball, but she started playing football during the pandemic.

Caitlin played in an AFL Nines competition to stay fit.

Caitlin said, 'By the time basketball started again, I liked football more.'

'Double life' is what some players call their situation.

Emily Pease is another player who has two jobs. She plays football and works at a zoo.

Emily said, 'I have a double life. I go to meetings, train, and then work at the zoo.'

Emily likes having two jobs because she can do what she loves.

Emily started playing football in Canberra and later joined the Giants academy.

Emily trains with the Giants several days a week and works at the zoo.

Most people at the zoo do not know that Emily plays football.

Emily said, 'My coworkers are surprised when they find out I play football.'

Emily wants to be a full-time zookeeper one day.

'It's a team sport' is what Caitlin says about her jobs.

The average wage for an AFLW player is $79,414.

Only 3% of AFLW players work full-time outside of football.

Most AFLW players work part-time or casual jobs.

The average wage for an AFLW player is $79,414.

From 2027, AFLW players will have a salary cap like the men's league.

Emily said, 'Some people ask why I do both jobs. For me, it's an outlet.'

Emily said, 'I can focus on one thing when I'm doing the other.'

Emily likes following her passions for football and animals.

Caitlin has not had a holiday in two and a half years.

The new collective bargaining agreement includes wage rises and a longer season.

Caitlin feels guilty about playing football because she's not at the hospital.

Caitlin's coworkers have to work extra hours when she's not there.

Caitlin said, 'Medicine is a team sport, and I feel close to my coworkers and teammates.'

The 11th AFLW season starts on Sunday with a game between St Kilda and Carlton.

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