In her long career in sport, both as a competitor and now as an administrator, Nicole Livingstone has thrived on pushing herself to take on new challenges.

“I’ve always been someone who believes it’s important to get out of your comfort zone,” said Livingstone, whose latest challenge is taking on the role as the AFL’s new Head of Women’s Football.

“I’m very much out of my comfort zone right now.”

Livingstone will form a part of a panel at next month’s Geelong Cats Fare on the Field event. The inspiring luncheon, presented by Ford, will be held on the GMHBA Stadium oval and guest will enjoy the success stories of several pioneering women.

Livingstone made her name as a backstroke swimmer, competing at the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic games.

She won an individual bronze medal in ’92 and silver and bronze medals as part of relay teams in ’96.

After retiring from competition, Livingstone spent a number of years working in the media and in various administrative roles within swimming.

Then came the chance to join the AFL and be part of the amazing recent story that is the growth of women’s Australian Rules football.

“My role is not just about looking after the AFLW competition, but looking at women’s football across the nation. It’s a role that will take me right around the nation,” Livingstone said.

“What we know is that participation in women’s football has grown. What we then need to make sure is that the offering around Australia makes women want to come back to the game year after year.”

Livingstone is very much looking forward to being part of Fare on the Field. She will sit on a panel of inspiring and pioneering women that includes her colleague Kylie Rogers, who was appointed the AFL’s General Manager Commercial in late 2017.

“As someone who’s gone from being an athlete, to working in the media, to spending time in the corporate world and then becoming a sports administrator, my message is that people should not be afraid to evolve themselves,” Livingstone said.

“Follow your passion. That’s another key message of mine, and I guess that’s the kind of message at the heart of the women’s football side of things.

“Women have for a long time wanted to be able to play football at an elite level, and now we have 240 girls right around the country who can play professional football.”

And with the Cats to enter the AFLW competition next year, she is looking forward to seeing first-hand the passion that the women’s game is generating in Geelong.

“I’m really excited that Geelong is involved in AFLW come 2019. It’s great that girls on the western side of Victoria can now dream about playing at the highest level without needing to move away from their backyard.

“I’m looking forward to the Cats uncovering some great home-grown talent.”

To hear more from Nicole and other forward-thinking women, book your tickets via the link below or click here.