A group of aspiring young female footballers have taken the opportunity to learn from the best at an elite level, through Fremantle’s second-ever Peak Performance program.
Around 100 participants aged 15 to 17 attended the program held over two days at Fremantle’s elite training facility in Cockburn.
The program was facilitated by a number of Fremantle’s AFLW players, coaches and staff members, including AFLW star Aine Tighe who was again one of the program’s main drivers.
Tighe said the program, now running for a second time, was an enjoyable event to be involved in for players and participants alike.
“I guess it was a concept just over 12 months ago. It’s really exciting for us, we saw a gap in the market in terms of giving girls those opportunities to really step into an almost-AFLW environment,” Tighe said.
“The girls are obviously always super keen and enthusiastic and energetic. Just to give those girls the opportunity that the likes of Gabby (O’Sullivan) or Hayley (Miller) or any of the other girls that have come through earlier would’ve loved to have, so that’s really nice.”
“There’s a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to get a project like this over the line, so it’s really great to have that support right throughout the Club.”
Fremantle’s AFLW High-Performance Manager Corey Morris was on hand to outline the work that is done off the field to the eager participants.
“I spoke to the girls about the strength and conditioning side of things, the realities of being an elite athlete and the expectations from my point of view of what does lie with them coming into the program,” Morris said.
“It just begins to educate them on what it may be like coming into the program, stuff they can expect, and then also things they may be able to implement in their game now leading into the program that can better set them up for success in the future when they enter AFLW programs.”
Participants were also able to hear from and engage with Freo players and coaches about their off-field journeys, including the ups and downs faced along the way and the valuable lessons they have learned which has seen them reach the elite level.
Riley and Ruby were two participants involved on the day who took part in the whole experience, with Riley particularly excited to work alongside some of the AFLW stars.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed the whole program so much. I love trying new drills and getting some advice from the AFLW players because there’s no one better to help us learn how to play women’s footy than those at the top level,” Riley said.
“I also love all the education sessions. It makes me really excited about what I can come and do if I can make it to the next level.”
Ruby is a diehard Freo fan and says she admired how the girls really supported them to be better.
“I love the girls getting around us and letting us pick their brains,” Ruby said.
“My mum and I love going to the Freo games so it would be an absolute dream and a half to be out here with those girls one day.”
Participants were also given a Peak Performance training shirt and a Peak Performance journal to track their progress and follow what they learnt from the program.
The program has again helped aspiring footballers such as Riley build towards their goals of one day making it to the top level.
“That’s probably what I’ve had my sights set on for the last couple of years, so this just makes it so much more exciting,” Riley said.
“Every time you see them walking out or talking to you, you just have a massive fan-girl and it just makes me so pumped to want it so much more.”
Expressions of interest are now open for 2023!
If you or someone you know would like to participate in the Peak Performance program next year, please fill out the form here
