Unveiling New Talent and Excitement!
Elsternwick AFC Pre-Season Training Update
As summer fades into autumn, the Elsternwick Amateur Football Club is alive with energy and potential. After a refreshing break for Christmas, our players are back on the training track and are preparing for the step up to Division 1. February was a month filled with growth and anticipation as we prepared for an exciting VAFA season ahead. Let's take a closer look at our training sessions, Women’s clinic, and what lies ahead as we gear up for our first match on April 5th!
Training Resumes Stronger Than Ever
Pre-season training returned on February 4th at Elsternwick Park Oval 4, and the energy was high, and the pre-season running was pushed hard by the coaches. Each Tuesday and Thursday evening, we welcomed an average of 40 to 45 men and 14 to 18 women per session.
Head coach Olli and his assistants have kept the group focused and with the announcement of our new Reserves coach, Callum Meldrum, his presence brought even more enthusiasm to training. Callum will start as a sideline coach in 2025 as he continues his build up to a return to playing after his ACL injury in 2023. We are hoping to have him back on the field before the King’s Birthday bye. Additionally, Matt Howard has agreed to continue coaching the Thirds in 2025. With a year behind him, we are looking for big things in 2025 from the Third’s.
Exciting Women's Clinic
On February 18th, we proudly hosted an open Women’s Clinic aimed at introducing more women to AFL and generating excitement for the upcoming 2025 season. Guided by our new Women’s head coach, Liv Powell, we welcomed over 32 eager women ready to learn the sport.
The evening was not only educational but also enjoyable, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants. After engaging in skill drills, we ended the night with a BBQ, where attendees connected over their shared passion for the game. Feedback showed that many left feeling inspired and excited to return for more training sessions.
New Faces Bringing Fresh Talent.
As we moved into the latter part of February, excitement grew as our men’s team participated in scratch matches. While our seasoned players showcased their skills, the real highlight was the introduction of 33 new players. Out of these, 25 demonstrated unwavering commitment by attending training regularly.
Notable performances from newcomers like Max Thompson and Jack Kirkham have set a positive tone for the season ahead. This influx of fresh talent is essential for building competitive squads and injecting energy into the club. It is impressive to see how quickly these players have adapted, establishing high expectations as we advance into practice matches.
Upcoming Practice Matches
Saturday 15th March at Elsternwick Park Oval 4:
9.30am start: Elsternwick Women’s vs Canterbury Women’s
12pm start: Elsternwick Men’s Intra-Club match
Saturday 22nd March at Lang Lang Football Club:
12pm start: Reserves/Thirds vs Lang Lang Reserves
2pm start: Senior’s vs Lang Lang Seniors
Season 2025 Round 1 Preview
March is not only about practice matches; it’s also about gearing up for our much-anticipated season opener. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 5th, as our Seniors kick off the season with a home game against Ormond AFC.
In addition to welcoming our opponents, we have a special event to celebrate our achievements. We will conduct our Presidents Luncheon and Premiership Flag Unfurling to honour the Seniors' "Back-to-Back" Premiership in 2024. This will be a momentous occasion for everyone involved, reflecting the club's commitment to excellence.
Tickets for the Presidents Luncheon, scheduled for the opening round against Ormond, will be available this week. Priced at $55 each, this sit-down lunch offers supporters the chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy a meal in a festive atmosphere.
*Women’s and Thirds fixture has not been released by the VAFA at the time of writing this newsletter.
Elsternwick Community Spirit
With practice matches just around the corner and the thrilling season opener against Ormond AFC fast approaching, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of the Elsternwick AFC community. Let’s celebrate our shared passion for the club, support our players, and build towards a successful 2025.
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