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Live sport on SN this weekendPlayer driven: Why Collingwood psych sits on the game day bench
SEN • August 24th, 2025 2:17 pm
Collingwood psychologist Jacqui Louder has had plenty of on-air TV time in recent years as a fixture on the club’s game-day bench.
Louder is often seated in the back row of the bench next to the substitute where she’s a resource for players and coaches to go to in-game.
While most of her work with the club comes during the week at the AIA Centre, she enjoys working with the players on game day given that her role is purely as a performance psychologist.
She also revealed that she first joined the club’s bench at the wish of the players and coaches involved.
“Yeah (they want me there), if they didn’t want me there, I’d go,” Louder told This is Your Journey – thanks to Tobin Brothers.
“Every team has different needs at different times, and I think everything, on game day particularly, is all about the athlete and what they want.
“I will always just be in a space, in the corner during their warmups or whatever they do, and they’ll come and access you.
“Your really tough, in-depth work is done through the week. Then on a performance day (it’s more relaxed).
“It's not just sitting on the bench at Collingwood, but with other teams I’ve always been there, because my job is as a performance psych. So, why would you not be there during performance?”
Louder has previously been praised by Collingwood players such as Jordan De Goey after he turned into a real finals star in 2022 and 2023.
While she works with all of the players during the week, on game day she often let’s the players come to her instead for whatever they need.
“It can be both (them coming to me or me going to them). It depends on the individual,” Louder said.
“Some never access you and some some will, but you work that out with them and you figure out what works and what doesn't.
“I can pick certain things, but it's both ways.”
Louder discussed her time with Collingwood so far and much more on this week’s episode.
Listen to Louder's full chat with Sam Edmund below.
