Women's AFL HPA Game Highlights
AFL Women's High Performance Academy
The second AFL Women's High Performance Academy takes place in Melbourne during AFL Women’s Round 17:
15 - 22 July, 2012
Participants will be attend from:
- 2011 All Australian team
- Ten of the U18 All Stars
- Eight of the next best from the 2011 AFL Women’s National Championships
The 2012 program includes sessions with Melbourne Football Club on nutrition and hydration, skill drills, mental preparation, analysis of kicking and opposition players, running technique and mentoring. Players keep a journal recording key learnings each day.
At the conclusion of the Academy week the players contest a game in evenly matched teams to be played on Visy Park on Saturday July 21st commencing at 10am.
Players to Watch | Umpires to Watch | Coaches to Watch | |
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How the HPA Evolved
The AFL Women's High Performance Academy (HPA) evolved from the 2009 AFL Women’s All Australian team experience when former AFL National Manager of Participation, Dean Warren suggested that the team should embark on an Academy program for emerging female players similar to the mens' AIS/AFL Academy.
The camp would also culminate in a curtain raiser game on the MCG prior to an AFL match.
Inaugural 2010 Camp
In June 2010 the best 22 players from the AFL Women’s National Championships in Perth joined the next best 28 players at the camp.
The footballers embarked on an intensive week of football skills, testing, a media session, personal development and leadership. The sessions most enjoyed by the players were the talls program (with an emphasis on ruck work), kicking analysis, strength and conditioning, giving back to the game and the media session.
Sessions were conducted by AFL talent and coaching staff together with guest presenters from AFL clubs and the media.
Melbourne FC in particular were most supportive of the HPA ensuring their coaching staff and nutritionist conducted several skill and information sessions as well as hosting a post game function for all involved at the MCG.
MCG Curtain Raiser
The camp culminated with an evenly matched game prior to Melbourne v Collingwood at the MCG.
Playing in front of nearly 15000 spectators on the 'G was a dream come true for many players and umpires. The All Australian Field Umpire (deemed the best at the 2009 Championships) was also included in camp activities and teamed up with AFL Victoria’s Female Umpires Academy to officiate the MCG game.