More than a game

By Justin Robertson
FORGET netball, these two girls are tackling the football world head on.
Kara Donellan and Katie Loynes joined a squad of 40 elite footballers from across Australia, and took part in the inaugural AFL Women’s High Performance Academy held throughout Melbourne last week.
The two teammates from the Berwick Football Club trained with the academy over the five days that included a training session with VWFL partner, Melbourne Football Club, a kicking analysis session with Jason McCartney and goalkicking practice with former bomber Scott Lucas.
“It was an honour to be a part of the academy and a privilege,” said Donellan, a sentiment also held by Loynes. “But it was really exciting to see what the future is going to hold.”
As well as participating in drills along St Kilda beach, the group spent time learning about other aspects of football such as nutrition, medical screening and personal development and media – all the trimmings necessary to become an AFL footballer.
Samantha Lane addressed the group on how to handle the media side of football and the rest of the week was littered with guest speakers from the AFL football community.
During the week the group acted as one unit playing games and incorporating team work, but then spilt into two teams for their curtain-raiser game on the MCG before the Melbourne-Collingwood game.
Playing on the hallowed turf was a dream for Donellan and Loynes.
“It was awesome. Words can’t describe it,” Donellan said. “Just to know you are running out there with 40 of the best from around Australia was the best thing. And having my teammate Katie out there with me as well, it was good to share something like that with her. ”
Loynes said before the game David Parkin spoke to the group and his message was clear: go for it, play hard and don’t get overwhelmed by the occasion.
At the start, when I first ran out on the ground, it was quite breath-taking,” she said. “It was definitely a highlight ion my career so far.”
Both girls play for the Berwick Football Club – which sits just outside the four this year – and both agree it was the social aspect that drew them into the sport.
“I was invited by a friend to come down and play for Berwick,” said Loynes. “I just love the football atmosphere.”
Donellan, like most girls, did play some netball, but loved her footy more.
“It was always in my blood. My uncle was always encouraging me to play and my mum loves her footy,” she said. “Footy is a great team sport, everyone is so close it’s like another family.”