Glen Jakovich is a Former AFL Player and a Motivational Speaker. Glen ‘Jako’ Jakovich is a much loved icon in West Australian sporting circles and one of Western Australia’s most respected and celebrated AFL players. Beginning his career with South Fremantle in the WAFL, he was drafted by the West Coast Eagles in 1990 and debuted in 1991.
Glen ‘Jako’ Jakovich is a much loved icon in West Australian sporting circles and one of Western Australia’s most respected and celebrated AFL players. Beginning his career with South Fremantle in the WAFL, he was drafted by the West Coast Eagles in 1990 and debuted in 1991. A dominant centre half-back, Glen was a key part of the Eagles’ AFL Premiership victories in 1992 and 1994, the first time a non-Victorian team won the trophy. His grim-faced determination and muscular physique are etched into the memories of all who lived through his rise with the West Coast Eagles (1991 – 2004).
He was named West Coast Eagles Best & Fairest four times (1993, 1994, 1995, 2000) and earned All Australian honours in 1994 and 1995. Despite a significant knee injury in 1996, Glen retired in 2004 after 276 games, leaving a legacy as one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Following a magnificent on-field career, his work as a Fox Sports Presenter and as a Football Analyst for 96fm and 6PR has kept him firmly in the public eye. He is a champion, a public figure and now an experienced media personality.
In 2008 he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and the West Australian Football Hall of Fame. He was an inaugural inductee in the West Coast Eagles Hall of Fame in 2011.
Glen is currently Assistant Coach/Mentor for the AIS/AFL Academy and works in business development and recruitment and has done since 2012. Since retiring, Glen has built a successful media career, working as an AFL commentator for Radio 6PR Perth, Channel Ten, and a regular panel member on 6PR’s Sports Central. He is a highly sought-after speaker for corporate, government, and sporting events.
Those who’ve worked with him in business have seen first-hand the power of commitment and professionalism. For his motivational keynotes, Glen uses anecdotes from his sporting career and covers topics such as:
Overcoming adversity; Glen suffered a knee injury early in his career which almost ended his football dreams. He shares the story of how to see the positive in adversity, such as how the Eagles came back after their first grand final loss to win the year later. He also draws parallels between what he went through and with people who have suffered more common workplace injuries.
Leadership, focus, teamwork; These are all essential elements of a champion team. Glen uses many examples of experiences he’s had with coaches and his team mates to highlight the importance of good leadership, a maintained focus and the benefits of working together as a team.
Personal and team motivation; Why are some people better motivators than others? They take the time to find out what motivates the team. Glen uses excellent examples from his football career to illustrate the point. He also shares points to personal motivation.
