Six Queenslanders, including Natalie Thomas (pictured) will head to Melbourne Wednesday to join the AFL Women’s High Performance Academy training camp.
Tuesday, 8 June, 2010
Six Queenslanders ranging in age from 17 to 33 will head to Melbourne Wednesday to join the AFL Women’s High Performance Academy training camp.
Seventeen-year-old Katie Brennan, 22-year-old Aasta O’Connor and 32-year-old Natalie Thomas (pictured) will go as members of the 2009 All-Australian side, chosen after last year’s national carnival in Perth.
They will be joined by 33-year-old Belinda Blay, 27-year-old Monica O’Brien and 18-year-old Jade Pregelj, who were also included in the final 40-player squad.
Queensland will have the third largest representation behind Victoria (14) and WA (10) – ahead of SA and NSW (3), NT (2), ACT and Tasmania (1).
The girls will enjoy a five-day stay in the football capital, culminating in a ‘Possibles v Probables’ trial game at the MCG as a curtain-raiser to Monday’s Round 11 AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne.
According to Julia Price, AFL Queensland’s Female Participation and Coaching Co-Ordinator, the girls will have the opportunity to enhance their football skills and personal development under some of the best high performance coaches in the country.
She says the AFL is committed to providing football education to the game’s most talented female athletes, hoping they will take back what they learn to their own clubs and Leagues.
Girls will travel to Melbourne on Wednesday, with daily sessions to include the following:-
Thursday: Training and nutrition sessions at Junction Oval, medical screening and a personal development session on leadership.
Friday: A stealth program at St.Kilda Beach, recovery and review, a training session incorporating kicking analysis and touch instruction, and a public speaking/media training session.
Saturday: A training session focussed on stoppages, recovery, free time and a presentation on the AFL’s national vision for female football.
Sunday: A core strength session, following by specialised training sessions, recovery, video analysis and player review, jumper presentation and team meetings.
Monday: All-Stars v Gold Stars at MCG.
