10/08/2026
From working at 7-Eleven as a university student to becoming a Senior Physiotherapist in just four years – Will Blair's journey highlights the impact of the AFL SportsReady Indigenous Cadetship Program in conjunction with Queensland Health.
Proud Wakka Wakka, Cobble Cobble and Jinibara man, Will completed an AFL SportsReady Indigenous Cadetship at STARS Hospital while studying Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland.
Today, he's transitioned from cadet to clinician, working at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. He has also recently accepted a Senior Physiotherapist position in the Emergency Department at Caboolture Hospital.
For Will, the cadetship was a career-defining opportunity.
"I genuinely do not believe that I would be working at this hospital without it. It really got my foot in the door."
The experience gave him the confidence, clinical skills and real-world experience to transition seamlessly into the healthcare industry.
"When I hit the ground running as a new graduate, it was very seamless because I'd already had those experiences during my cadetship."
Now, Will is paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of cadets and encouraging other students to seize the same opportunity.
"Just give it a go. It's basically paid work experience and when the time comes for applying for jobs, you really will stand out."
If you're an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander university student looking to kickstart your career while you study, express your interest in the AFL SportsReady Indigenous Cadetship Program today via the link in the comments.
