Developing Female Champions

With eyes firmly set on the goal to play footy on the National stage, 21 of the newest Junior Female Talent Academy players launched into the 2017 pre-season with a special personal-development session with three-time Paralympian Brad Scott on Saturday, November 5.

Players aged 16 to 18 years from metro and regional areas including Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie got the opportunity to hear from the elite runner who had recently returned from the Rio Paralympics, at the WAIS Developing Champions Course.

The players learnt about the importance of sustaining a strong work ethic, managing stress, living a balanced lifestyle, goal setting and mental health as they embark on their journey to becoming an elite athlete.

The parents of the players also took part in a course, which focussed on how they can best support their daughter through the journey.

The course was a valuable developmental opportunity for the young players who dream to one day step out onto the AFL stage. A dream that has come true for the 23 WA players selected in the inaugural AFL Women’s National Draft last month.

23 Players selected in AFL Women’s Draft
WA is set to produce more quality players ahead of the AFL Talent Academy player selection, through programs like the WAIS Developing Champions.

Over 400 female players have been identified across a number of teams, clubs and competitions and invited to the WAFC Talent Academy player selection testing session to be held at All Saints College on Saturday, November 12.

The players will undergo fitness testing, strength and conditioning, tactics and skills testing from Level 2 and 3 coaches at the session.

Level Three Coach Patrick Litherland will lead the Senior Talent Academy and Andrew Mulcahy will lead the Junior Talent Academy.