As the AFLW competition draws closer, Carlton was delighted to host the Darebin women’s team at Ikon Park last Tuesday evening.
The training session, run by Blues women’s senior coach Damien Keeping, saw 45 players from both Darebin’s senior and reserve teams hit the track alongside a mix of Carlton’s men’s and women’s players.
The Blues currently have three Darebin-listed players on their AFLW list, including Darcy Vescio, Lauren Arnell and Nat Exon, while assistant coach Jane Lange coached the team to premiership glory earlier this year.
On arrival the players were taken on a tour through the men’s and women’s facilities, before being briefed by Keeping in the Club’s lecture theatre.
It was then time to lace up the boots and grab the footies, as the players took to Ikon Park for the hour-long session.
Carlton-listed players, including, Kate Shierlaw, Kate Darby, Nat Exon, Nick Graham, Liam Jones, Alex Silvagni, Kristian Jaksch and Jarrod Pickett, led the drills on field and gave handy tips and advice.
Post-training, everyone enjoyed a BBQ dinner and the chance to swap stories and get to know each other.
This opportunity was made possible by Carlton’s platinum sponsor Visy, which continues to be a huge supporter of women’s football.
Photo: Mark Avellino
Carlton women's coach Damien Keeping speaks to the Darebin players. (Photo: Mark Avellino)
Left to right: Jarrod Pickett, Liam Jones, Kate Shierlaw and Nick Graham. (Photo: Mark Avellino)
Photo: Mark Avellino
The reward after some hard work on the track. (Photo: Mark Avellino)
