FOR Keeley Sherar, the 21-year-old set herself up for a strong year during the 2023 off-season.
Partaking in additional training away from the Club while on holiday, Sherar - who was coming off a career-best season -ensured she returned ready for another stellar year in the midfield, and that’s exactly what she did.
Focusing on her strength in the gym and her skills on the track, Sherar put herself in the best possible position for a mighty pre-season.
“Personally, I went away from the club and trained at Project Gap with Steve Lester, I did a lot of gym work with him,” Sherar said.
“We would also do skill sessions with a few girls from other teams as well. I probably worked most on my gym and skills in the off-season.”
Teammate and namesake Keeley Skepper was entering her third season as an AFLW player, looking to make an impact in the forward line, as well as forging connections between the other lines.
Working alongside veterans Jess Dal Pos and Darcy Vescio, the 20-year-old focused on building her consistency across the season, missing only the last game of the year.
“Similar to Keeley, I was trying to work on my strength in the off-season, so I was here at IKON Park a lot of the time, trying to get stronger, which helps me with my contest and defence — something we really value here,” Skepper said.
“I look to Mim [Hill] and Dal as examples. I think they both bring energy and know when to be serious as well.”
At Carlton, leading by example is a quality shared by many players. Sherar also expressed her admiration for the leadership group and their commitment to every training session and game.
“I feel like all of our leaders drive really high standards,” Sherar added.
A standards driver herself, Sherar believes that putting deliberate time and effort into her training sets her up well for game day.
This preparation paid off during the 2024 season, with the midfielder averaging 22 disposals, seven tackles, and four clearances, featuring in all 11 games for the year.
“I feel like preparing for games involves getting through a good week of training. I feel like that sets you up mentally for a good game,” she said.
“You can go in with confidence, knowing that you’ve worked on the things you need to improve, and you have the confidence to go out there and put your best foot forward.”
Skepper agreed, referencing teammate Ciara Fitzgerald as another player who pushes others to be better with her consistency.
Coming into the side in 2023 as an injury-replacement player, Fitzgerald played every game except one in the 2024 season, with Skepper praising the composure she displayed in each outing.
“Ciara Fitzgerald has had a great finish to the season. In the last game especially, I was on the sidelines watching, and we were all frothing because she was playing so well,” Skepper said.
“I love the way she brings the hunt and how composed she is with the ball in hand.”
Now heading into another off-season, both players are looking to enhance their skills and craft on their own time, aiming to return bigger and better in 2025.
“I want to work on my skills and improve my contest work and bodywork at stoppages,” Sherar said.
“I’m focusing on my contest and my defence, aiming to become more consistent and working on my groundballs. I’m really looking forward to it,” Skepper said.
