With just three weeks until AFLW pre-season officially kicks off on the 29th of May, players have been putting in the work early through our AFLW High Performance Academy.
The optional program provides an opportunity for players to use the facilities during the off season and focus on individual areas of improvement.
Eagles midfielder Aisling McCarthy said the team has acknowledged what they need to improve on and is committed to building into their fifth season.
“It's obviously optional because we haven’t officially started pre-season, but everyone’s eager to go so numbers have been good,” said McCarthy.
Its mostly skills based and each player focuses on their individual goals. As a midfielder I’ve been working on my kicks inside 50 and body work at stoppages.”
The level of commitment is evident with the re-signing of 29 players and adding a new addition during the sign and trade period, Amy Franklin a tall key position player.
“Entering a new season with the same group is nice, and it just shows the level of commitment players have to club, and then adding an Amy as well," said McCarthy.
“The academy has been a good opportunity to get everyone together, we are a tight knit team so especially for the group to get to know Amy Franklin has been great, she is a super footballer.”
With now a longer break between seasons, players have been able to recoup after a six-month break compared to previous years with two seasons being played in the same year.
McCarthy said the squad is excited about the young groups potential and eager to get more wins on the board this year.
“It's been a long off season; we’ve had a good break especially after last year playing two seasons in the one year, so it feels very different to have had six months off from football," said McCarthy.
“I’m excited about taking the next step forward with the group. The young players will get another year experience under their belt and hopefully we can get more wins on the board.
“We want to show competition that we are working hard and improving.”
