As part of the program, Burger will be one of five emerging female leaders from the AFL industry who will complete a six-month program to increase representation and strengthen pathways for women into AFL men’s football departments.

The program commenced on November 24, 2022 with the AFL Draft and looks to provide participants with practical experience to improve skills and knowledge in Recruiting, List Management, TPP, Soft Cap Management, Governance and Integrity, Training and Match Day Operations, and Media. 

Since joining Collingwood as a performance analyst in 2016, Burger has played a crucial role in leading football operations and strategy for the Club’s women’s football programs.

In 2018, she was appointed as the Club’s AFLW List Manager before moving into the Head of Women’s Football role in late 2021.

Additionally, the 29-year-old is a member of the AFLW Competition Committee which assists the AFL Commission surrounding all aspects of the women’s game.

Burger is also involved in women’s football at a community level and was recently named the VAFA Women’s Coach of the Year having led Kew to the Grand Final in the William Buck Premier Division earlier this year.

Collingwood’s Acting CEO and General Manager of Football Graham Wright said the Club is thrilled with Burger’s selection in the program.  

“This is a well-deserved opportunity for Jess’ professional development but will also allow her to showcase her knowledge and experience of the football industry,” Wright said.

“Jess has played an integral role in developing strategy and heading up list management & football operations of our women’s football programs since the inception of our AFLW program. She has also played a key role in our Men’s program for a number of years. She is extremely passionate about all things football and is highly respected within the Club.

“The Women in Football Talent Program will play an important role in increasing female representation within football departments by allowing talented women like Jess the opportunity to build key relationships, skills and expertise in the industry and will create a direct pathway for women into leadership positions.

“We look forward to seeing Jess continue to develop and grow through the support of this new program.”

 Burger said she was grateful to be presented with the opportunity to take part in such a unique program.

“I would like to thank the AFL for the nomination for the Women in Football Talent Program and would also like to thank the Club for their support in allowing me to pursue this opportunity,” Burger said.

“This program offers a unique hands-on approach that will nurture our professional development. I look forward to furthering my knowledge and craft through top level exposure to scenarios that arise across the football landscape”.

“I feel very fortunate to be involved in the first program of this kind and am looking forward to what the remainder of the program has in store.”