It’s not often that rugby union and Aussie Rules cross over but Alana Thomas is making this possible as Development/ Tackling Coach at Hawthorn.

After four years representing the Australian Wallaroos, Thomas moved to Melbourne and transitioned into coaching.

The journey began through various pathways with Rugby Victoria but it was not long before she was invited back to the Wallaroos as a coach.

Shortly after taking the next step in her sporting journey, she was appointed as the Melbourne Rebels’ inaugural Super W coach.

Now, Thomas is taking a step outside Rugby Union and while she may be diving into a new sport, the passion she has for coaching has not wavered.

“I just started coaching because I wanted to give back and be involved in the sport still,” Thomas said.

“I then got an opportunity for coach development with Rugby Australia and went up to the national camp with the women’s Wallaroos team.

“I basically got back in there and the fire in my belly as a player just reignited.

“I was like I want to be here as a coach so I started my coaching journey and really taking it seriously.

“I then progressed and coached Australia A, the Melbourne Rebels Super W and went away to a World Cup with the Wallaroos last year in New Zealand.”

Perhaps the most fascinating thing alongside all those accolades is that Thomas works at the Victorian Institute of Sport as an accountant, highlighting that like AFLW players, a lot of coaches in the system also have a job outside of football.

That was once the reality for Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard, who was working for the Australian Federal Police while coaching the Adelaide Crows from 2016 to 2018. 

Goddard and Thomas formed a connection once both of their careers changed direction and have maintained contact ever since. 

“I met Bec through an AIS course in 2019,” Thomas recalled.

“There were about 17 coaches from multiple different sports.

“I met Bec there and our whole group has stayed in contact via a Whatsapp group.

“I actually had Bec help me on an application for a head coaching role and then I presented it to her and some other coaches.

“I also did a little bit of work when she was in VFLW.

“Then I got a phone call earlier this year, Bec sort of noticed I wasn't coaching and she asked if I’d be interested and I said: ‘Yeah, of course I’d be interested. I’d love to come in and teach contact and teach tackling.’

“It was a new environment with new athletes so I just jumped at the chance to do it.

“I’ve really loved being here.”

Thomas praised the true ‘one club’ nature at the Hawks, having been welcomed into the four walls with open arms. 

Although she comes from a different sport, Thomas also has a lot of knowledge to share.

She praised the playing group for their openness to her feedback.

“The athletes, their willingness to learn, their willingness to push themselves and challenge themselves and wanting to be full-time athletes, I think that’s the big thing,” Thomas said.

“You’ve got players that are very experienced and players that are very young, willing to learn new things and take on new content.”

The Hawks begin their 2023 season on Saturday night lights on 2 September when they take on Essendon at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston.