Physiotherapist and Hawthorn Hawk’s latest signing Greta Bodey has Redland Hospital to thank for her stardom - at least that’s the story we’re sticking to!
 
The 28-year-old forward is finishing up in her role at Bayside Health and heading to the ‘home of football’ (Melbourne) after finishing a stellar season at the Brisbane Lions.
 
Greta has managed dual careers as a professional athlete and physiotherapist since she joined Redland Hospital in 2019.
 
“In a very roundabout way, if I didn’t move back down to Brisbane (from Cairns) for the job at Redlands, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play AFL in Brisbane, and probably wouldn’t have been picked up by the Lions,” Greta said.
 
Greta said managing work with being an athlete required a lot of organisation, planning and coffee - and most importantly a flexible workplace.
 
“I am so grateful for the understanding and flexibility Metro South Health has afforded me,” she said.
 
“I was able to drop from full-time work to a two-day working week, allowing me more time to focus on training, as well as ensuring I had the energy to focus properly on work while I was there.” 
 
The talented Greta said she was looking forward to living in Melbourne and visiting the MCG on the weekends.
 
“But I’m mostly looking forward to getting started with my new club, I can't wait to start preseason training and I’m even more excited about playing my first game for the Hawks!” Greta said.
 
Director Physiotherapy and Podiatry Michael Harris said his entire team was proud of all that Greta had achieved both in her sporting career and her healthcare role, saying she was an inspiration. 
 
“It’s important to highlight how much Greta has contributed to our physiotherapy team and service,” Michael said.  
 
“Greta has always exceeded the expectations of her role and consistently demonstrated flexibility, reliability, and the ability to deliver high quality clinical care."
 
Greta has recently been instrumental in progressing a service improvement activity, in partnership with stakeholders and other members of the multidisciplinary team, focused on strategies to improve access to physiotherapy outpatient services for First Nations people.  
 
“The Bayside Physiotherapy team wish Greta all the very best for this next exciting step in her sporting career,” Michael said.  
 
“She will be greatly missed…and always welcome back!”