Female Academy Game Wrap Up.

The first highly successful Perth Football Club Female Academy came to an end with the girls playing three games against other WAFLW development teams. The games were played in the October school holidays and were greeted with very warm conditions, something the girls are not used to considering they usually play Friday nights with their community clubs.

Thursday 29^th September v Subiaco

Grenville Reserve, Tuart Hill

This game was organised between both clubs separate to the WAFC organised fixture. This gave us an opportunity to play 30 girls and try them in many positions. It also meant a lot of rotations which the girls handled very well.  The conditions were warm and windy which weren’t conducive to high scoring. It ended up being a very even, competitive contest.  We had a good look at all the girls and were very pleased with their effort.  It was a very good learning curve in preparation for the WAFC games to be held the next week. 

Tuesday 4^th October v West Perth

Steel Blue Oval, Bassendean

Again, this game was played in very warm conditions. We played 24 girls in this game and were planning less rotations, but the conditions and a few early injuries meant more rotations than planned, although nothing like the first game. We bounced out of the blocks kicking the first goal of what ended up being a very even first quarter against a very talented West Perth side. The next two quarters were very entertaining with both teams playing some very good football.  At three quarter time West Perth were 2 ½ goals in front but we were extremely happy with how our girls kept hanging in there. At no stage did we look like getting blown away. At three quarter time the girls were asked to dig deep and finish the game strongly, which they did, outscoring West Perth in the final term. We walked away from the game very satisfied in the knowledge that our squad put in a great performance against quality opposition and were looking towards our next game with a high degree of confidence. 

Friday 7^th October v East Perth

Leederville Oval

Again very warm conditions. Again, 24 players on our team list. After the two previous games we were getting a better idea of where the girls’ positions would best suit team balance. We wanted to settle the girls and let them find their rhythm and confidence. We were able to achieve this and it showed on the scoreboard. The first quarter we bounced out the blocks playing some very good team football.  The second quarter was a carbon copy of the first and by half time we were well in front.  The girls were playing with a lot of confidence with some very impressive passages of play from one end of the ground to the other, resulting in a goal. Half way through the third quarter we did stand to make some positional changes and increase the rotations, mainly to look after the girls. It had been a long two weeks in warm conditions and was starting to take a toll. The last quarter was much the same as earlier quarters with Perth controlling the game right to the final siren. It was a very comprehensive victory in the end, one we can be very proud of and look forward very much to what lies ahead. 

The pleasing part about all three games was how every girl played their part in three very good performances. At the start we set out to create our own brand and team culture and I can say we achieved what we set out to do.

In finishing, I would like to thank Michele Burton for her hard work and dedication to this academy. Without her this would not have been the success it is. 

I would also like to thank;

Oscar Bird, Assistant Coach

Jared Bell, Assistant Coach

Paul Burton, Assistant Coach

Sarah Hampson, Strength and Conditioning

Angela Le Fante, Trainer and Medic

Daniel Hill, Runner

Grace Hirte, Social media

Gavin Outridge

Head Coach

Perth Football Club

Female Academy