In 2025, Georgia Bowen received the Nathan Buckley Scholarship as part of her studies in the Magpies Sport & Business Program. She has since made the transition from student to staff member. 

Collingwood Football Club offers a Dual Diploma of Sport & Business, run in conjunction with SEDA, to young people interested in a career in sport.  

The scholarship provides a 35-week part-time contract at the Club, allowing recipients to continue further education if they choose. 

Bowen is now pursuing a dual Bachelor of Business and Sports Management and says her work at Collingwood has advanced her studies. 

“It makes studying for my bachelor’s degree a lot easier now that I’m working part-time in the industry that I’m studying in,” Bowen said. 

“I can apply a lot of the things that I learn at the Pies to my studies and vice versa.”

Bowen has been working within the Future Magpies team, managing administrative tasks and organising junior football, school engagement and club programs. 

Future Magpies also oversees Talent Pathways, which delivers programs focused on Next Generation Academies (NGA) for children from diverse and multicultural backgrounds, as well as the Peter Daicos Academy.  

It’s part of the Club’s commitment to community and investment in developing the next generation of fans, members and talent.

“The whole Future Magpies team has been incredibly welcoming. Especially Mannon [Johnston] and Taylor [Buono]. They have been so encouraging and supportive. They understand that I’m still learning on the go.” 

“The opportunity that I’ve had to work on different projects and the trust that the team has put in me has been amazing."

- Georgia Bowen

She also thanked her Magpies Sport & Business Program educators, Matt Wilcox and Tali Eades for their support throughout last year. 

“I don’t think I would have been in a position to succeed as much as I have in this role if it wasn’t for the work that they put in last year.” 

For Bowen, this year’s highlight has been the chance to contribute to new projects. It’s the same integrated learning experience that drew her to the Magpies Sport & Business Program in the first place.

“During the course, I was able to learn from a range of departments to figure out what pathway I wanted to take my career.

"I did work-integrated learning with the Future Magpies team, the community team and the events team, so I knew what I was expecting coming into the role.” 

Last year, Bowen also spent February to November learning across both the AFLW and VFLW property and operation teams. 

“That was such a great experience. 

“I also did some placements voluntarily, like matchday events and getting involved in school holiday programs.” 

Her advice to the next intake of students is to make the most of every opportunity. 

“You never know the people you’ll meet and the connections you’ll make through starting those awkward conversations.”  

Looking ahead, she hopes to build on her work in talent pathways. 

“I just signed my new contract, so I’ve got permanent employment at the Club now, which is really nice. 

“I really enjoy the operational side of elite pathways, working with the academies and the admin support that I do there. 

“Future Magpies is expanding, so we’ll just see where the wind takes me.” 

Applications for the 2027 Magpies Sport & Business Program are now open.

Collingwood Football Club works in collaboration with SEDA Group RTO: 22503 on marketing and promotional services relating to the recruitment of prospective students for this program. The program consists of SIS50321 Diploma of Sport and BSB50120 Diploma of Business. The RTO does not guarantee employment.