They say that behind every great club, there are great women. And so, with this week being Women's Round, we have taken the opportunity to chat with a selection of the women who play an integral role into the daily operations here at the Carlton Football Club.

Where would we be without Football Administrator Gill Jeffery? This wonder-woman plays a major support role to the entire Football Department, including Football Operations General Manager Andrew McKay and Senior Coach Mick Malthouse.

With regards to her daily duties, Jeffery admits that at times she is not sure of what the day will bring.

"It can be anything from organising player contracts to getting the coffee – and everything in-between."

Working at a football club requires a selection of the staff to work match days, which includes Jeffery.

"I get to the game about three hours before. We feed the players certain foods that they require pre and post-mtach."

When it comes to football,  Jeffery says at times you never know what's coming next.

"You can have the day perfectly planned - and then we change the training schedule, which means that everything gets changed."

Interstate matches are particularly busy times, with accommodation and logistics planning a fundamental part of Jeffery's skill-set.

"With Sydney this week, there are approximately 60 of us going – it's a big crew. I organise all the travel and make sure that everyone has a flight. It's a lot of coordinating with the airlines and the hotels. I also need to provide strict meal plans to where the players will be eating."

When it comes to planning meals. Jeffery doesn't joke around.

"Definitely no pizza and ice-cream!"

Have you ever attended a Carlton match day function? If so then you would have been experiencing the top-notch hospitality provided by Match Dat Events Manger, Caitlin Borchers.

From organising guest speakers to entertainment and catering; exceptional organisational and planning skills are a must for Borcher's role.

"We are able to plan ahead at the beginning of each year. And then once the season begins, week to week it's simply following up to make sure that everything is booked and confirmed."

Like Jeffery, Borchers also works match days, overseeing each function and making sure that they are running to schedule.

"Everything is already pre-planned and pre-organised. I just make sure that all attendees are happy and the run-sheets are being followed correctly."

Reflecting on highlights at her time at Carlton,  Borchers reminisces when world-renowned comedian, Jerry Lewis once attended a President's Function.

"It was so exciting! He came in his velour tracksuit and slippers. He even pretended to fall off the stage and everyone jumped up to rescue him – it was hilarious!"
Overall Caitlin thoroughly enjoys working for the Blues.

"I love working at Carlton. It's such a great team environment. We all get on as friends. It's a lot of fun."

Have you ever called Carlton Membership? If so, then there's a chance that you would have spoken with Steph McPharlane, Carlton Membership Team Leader.

"I'm here to support our team and communicate with our members on a day to day basis."

When she's not driving the membership tally, she's data crunching and working on Excel spreadsheets.

"My role involves a lot of data and working closely with the AFL. They support us when it comes to data."

On match days she draws her attention back to Carlton Members, recognising the importance of having Club representatives present.

"We have membership marquees located at the grounds. If members require our assistance on the day, or supporters would like to sign up – this is available to them."

Player development and well-being is a crucial component of The Carlton Football Club and Lyndall Down is the perfect person for the job.

As Player Wellbeing Manager, her role entails anything and everything that is non-football related.

"I look after all the boys needs off the field. This can include housing and accommodation and keeping in regular contact with players' families and their partners."

Down recognises that at times the boys require time-out from football, and that's where she comes in.

"The footy environment can be a bubble at times. Whether it's organising psychologists or social gatherings for the guys – it can pretty much entail anything."

During match days she has the pleasure of sitting with the parents and partners of the players. She also attends post-match get-togethers with them.

"It's great getting to know the boy's families and making sure that we stay in regular contact."

Innovation is her speciality, with Down forever exploring different ideas and avenues of how to make attending games easier for all players who have children.

"We have organised a creche for all Etihad and MCG games – so their partners can sit and enjoy the game."

Down's bubbly personality and passion for what she does is evident from the moment you meet her.

"I have done a lot of different jobs that have led me to this one. This role is perfect for my personality and the skills set that I have. I love being part of a team environment. You see how hard the Club works just for one game, and how much work is put into the players and how hard the players work."