Damien Austin

For more than a decade, Damien has served as the High-Performance Manager for the Brisbane Lions Football Club, leading the Performance and Medical programs of the AFL team.

His tenure has been marked by sustained success, playing a pivotal role in the club’s three Grand Final appearances, including back-to-back Premiership victories in 2024 and 2025.

With a career spanning all three major football codes in Australia, Damien brings a rare depth of cross-disciplinary expertise to elite sport. His professional experience includes time with the Sydney Swans, contributing to their 2012 Premiership, as well as senior roles with the Sydney Roosters (NRL), Queensland Reds (Rugby Union), and NSW Swifts (Netball).

This breadth of experience is further highlighted by his involvement in guiding teams from multiple sporting codes to Grand Final appearances, underscoring his adaptability and impact across high-performance environments.

Damien complements his practical experience with a strong academic foundation, holding a PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, in addition to a Diploma in Sports Law. Beyond his work with teams, he is an active contributor to the broader high-performance community. Damien has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and is a frequent presenter at international conferences and seminars, where he shares insights on high performance, leadership, and sustainable success in elite sport.