Wanting to grow their game professionally on and off the field, eleven players have been taking the game on through the lens of a coach by completing their level two coaching course.

Emily Elkington, Belinda Smith, Emma Humphries, Sophie McDonald, Krstel Petrevski, Aimee Schmidt and Lauren Wakfer, Mikayla Western, Shanae Davison, Jessica Sedunary and Charlie Thomas have been undertaking the four-week course.   

Led by Eagles defender and Women's Academy Coach Jessica Sedunary, eight out of the eleven players have been coaching the under 16’s Girls State program which involves eight contact sessions followed by a game against Fremantle in early March.

Sedunary said the program has been immensely beneficial to her football career and a great way to upskill in something she is passionate about.

“Having this experience and seeing it through the lens of a coach will help my own and especially some of the younger players coming into the next season,” Sedunary said.

“It will help us get more of an understanding on the tough process behind planning drills and managing priorities as well as strengthening relationships between coaches and players.”

After gaining interest from players at the end of last year, AFLW Recruiting Manager and Academies Coodinator Chad Morrison emphasised the importance of creating more opportunities in the coaching landscape for females.

“We want more females coaching and coming through our pathways especially through our junior ranks and developments squads,” Morrison said.

“The more females we have coaching the next generation, the better the women’s football league is going to be in the future.”

From building key relationships to gaining valuable leadership skills, the program will ultimately help pave the way for females wanting to pursue careers in coaching.

Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan said its brilliant to have so many AFLW players invested in the development of the next generation.

“Jess Sedunary has taken on the role of Senior Coach in the 16’s program and is doing a remarkable job,” Cowan said.

“I remember when I completed my level two albeit many years ago, I was the only female coach out of 62 coaches.

“To have this landscape change and now the opportunities provided for all coaches really shows the growth of our great game.”