Train Hard. Play Fearless. Recover Smart. Roar Proud.

Fitzroy Football Club is proud to announce its 2026 Sports Trainer lineup — a diverse and highly qualified group committed to player safety, performance and long-term development.

Our team includes experienced physiotherapists, remedial massage therapists and accredited sports trainers with backgrounds spanning elite sporting environments, hospital rehabilitation, women’s football leadership and strong Fitzroy junior pathways.

This appointment reflects the Club’s commitment to:

🏉Player welfare across all age groups
🏉Safe return-to-play protocols
🏉Strength and conditioning support
🏉Long-term athlete development

By investing in qualified medical and rehabilitation personnel, Fitzroy continues to build a sustainable, professional and community-focused football program.

From elite pathways to grassroots development… from junior first kicks to senior finals campaigns… our trainers are here for every Lion.

Train Hard. Play Fearless. Recover Smart. Roar Proud.

Paul Holst – Sports Trainer Level 1

A Fitzroy cornerstone for more than 20 years, Paul has cared for generations of Senior and Junior Lions. With experience across multiple sporting codes — including time with the Adelaide Crows and Adelaide United — he brings elite-level knowledge back to community football.

Dependable and respected, Paul is the steady presence behind the tape, the strapping and the big moments.

Marie Benedetto – Senior Remedial Therapist, Personal Trainer, Sports Trainer and PT Mentor

Past player turned Sports Trainer and owner of Orafit Massage & Recovery Clinic, Marie blends elite experience with genuine care. A Level 2 Sports Trainer with advanced training under the Head Trainer of the Adelaide Crows, she has worked with the Tjindu AFL Academy, Football SA U15s and national-level events.

From grassroots to elite pathways, Marie is driven by athlete wellbeing and high performance.

Neeyati Shah – Physiotherapist

Currently completing a Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports) at UniSA, Neeyati brings strong clinical expertise and on-field sports physiotherapy experience. With event coverage including major marathons and elite junior programs, she is passionate about safe return-to-play and long-term athlete development.

Focused, knowledgeable and athlete-first in her approach.

Punite Tayade – Physiotherapist

Also undertaking his Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports), Punite brings hospital, rehabilitation and sports injury management experience to the Lions. With a background spanning musculoskeletal, neurological and post-operative care, he combines evidence-based practice with calm professionalism.

Building strong, resilient players — one session at a time.

Namira Khalil Potrick – Physiotherapist

Namira combines modern rehabilitation techniques with hands-on sports injury management. Skilled in return-to-play training, dry needling and soft tissue therapy, she is committed to helping athletes move better, recover faster and perform with confidence.

Detail-driven and performance-focused.

Jen Favorito – Remedial Massage Therapist

A lifelong competitor in basketball and soccer, Jen’s journey through ACL reconstruction sparked her passion for rehabilitation and strength & conditioning. A qualified Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist with experience working with the Adelaide Crows, she also played a leadership role in building the Croydon Cougars women’s program.

Community-driven, athlete-focused and passionate about player welfare.

Kira Warren – Sports Trainer

A true Fitzroy pathway story. After gaining her Sports Trainer accreditation in 2023, Kira supported the U17 Boys to a Premiership in 2024. A former U14 Girls Premiership player herself, she now plays Senior Women’s football while serving as a trainer.

In 2026, she returns to lead the U17s medical support and assist coaching our U7s — multi-talented and ready for action.

This is more than a trainer lineup — it’s a commitment to player development, welfare and performance across every age group.

Strong support. Smart recovery. Lion pride.

#FitzroyLions #RunWithTheLions #LionPride #CommunityClub #FitFor2026

Location

Swan Ct, Renown Park SA 5008, Australia