NSW/ACT women join Academy

The Academy was held in Melbourne during AFL Women’s Round 17 (15 – 22 July, 2012.)

Members of the 2011 All Australian team, the U18 All Stars and the best performers from the 2011 AFL Women’s National Championships all attended the camp, which included sessions with Melbourne Football Club on nutrition and hydration, skill drills, mental preparation, analysis of kicking and opposition players, running technique and mentoring.

The players attended skills coaching sessions led by Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Essendon great Matthew Lloyd; as well training with Chris Johnson, Mick Ablett, Peter Schwab, Brad Johnson.

Academy coaches Peta Searle and Nicole Graves oversaw the week of activities, and as the first two female Level 3 coaches provided excellent role models for female footballers working through the AFL pathways.

Eight players from NSW/ACT attended the camp, – Stephanie Power, Gabby Pound, Roxy McGee and Libby Sadler from NSW; and Karina Dermant, Rebekah Hall, Heather Anderson and Elise O’Dea from the ACT.

At the conclusion of the Academy week the players contested a game played on Visy Park on Saturday July 21, and in conjunction with Women’s Round activities played in an AFL 9s exhibition match at half-time at the MCG on Sunday July 22.

To watch the highlights of the AFL WHPA match click here