By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
THE Flemington Juniors Under-12 team is this year being coached by one of the AFL Women’s biggest stars, Emma Kearney.
The talented Western Bulldogs player was one of the standout players in the inaugural women’s competition.
After a stellar season earlier this year, Kearney decided to turn her attention to coaching, getting involved with Flemington Juniors.
“It's been great working with the younger girls and seeing their enthusiasm for the game each week,” she said.
“They have improved out of sight over the last month or so.
“I love working with younger groups and trying to help improve them as footballers, but also be there as a role model for them.”
The Flemington Juniors have scored one win this season, with Kearney saying the aim for the reminder of the year was to see the team continue to improve and enjoy playing footy.
“Trying to get the girls to show correct technique when kicking and handballing is a big one for me, but the most important is allowing the girls to take the game on with their run and carry of the footy,” she said.
Reflecting on the inaugural AFL Women’s competition, Kearney said it felt surreal playing with and against some of the best players in the country.
“It was such an honour playing for the Western Bulldogs. It was exciting playing in front of so many supporters, it’s definitely something I won't forget,” she said.
“The response from the community was quite impressive.
“Never in my wildest dreams did we expect the competition to be this successful.”
Kearney said more and more young girls will hopefully choose to play footy now that there is a clear pathway from Auskick to the AFL.
“I've noticed a great increase in female participation, just this year alone,” she said.
“The AFLW competition has certainly opened many doors for young girls coming through the pathways. They now have something to aspire to.”
The Flemington Juniors Under-12 team will take on Spotswood at JJ Holland Park at 10.20am on Sunday.
Last Modified on 16/06/2017 09:07