O’Keefe helps sharpen NSW’s attack
With the AFL Women’s National Championships set to commence in Adelaide next week, representatives from the New South Wales team dropped in on Swans training for some expert tutelage from Ryan O’Keefe.
O’Keefe was a guest host at training earlier in the girls’ preparations, and returned yesterday to offer some advice on goal kicking.
Click here to watch a video on the training session.
“The key piece of advice was to narrow your vision during a set shot on goal,” said O’Keefe, who has slotted 212 goals in his 218 game career.
“You need to identify a target at the back of the goals, a sponsor sign, a tree, a person in the crowd, and really aim to the kick the ball to that target.
“After doing all of that, the important thing is not to over think it. Be relaxed,” he said.
After guiding the team in two sessions, O’Keefe said he was impressed with the overall level of skill, and in particular enthusiasm, from the team.
The last AFL Women’s National Championships were held in 2009, with NSW finishing runner-up in division two.
Marie Keating, who is the NSW team’s answer to the Swans own Tadhg Kennelly, growing up in Ireland and representing Munster in Gaelic Football and Comogie, was part of the 2009 side and believes the team is well placed to go one better this year.
“I think this is the first year we have actually been able to select a squad, rather than just put a team together,” Keating said.
“This is a very strong squad and we will give it a good crack.”
The AFL Women’s National Championships will be held from June 7-11 in Adelaide, and coincide with AFL Women’s week in round 12.
For more information and for draws please visit www.aflfemalechamps.com.au.
