NEWLY re-signed Carlton AFLW midfielder Kerryn Harrington is a woman of many talents.

The former Bendigo student juggled her phsyiotherapy degree at La Trobe University while competing in her first AFL Women’s season this year, with support from the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program.

Recruited as a rookie from Diamond Creek in 2017, the 26-year-old made a seamless transition into Australian rules football, featuring in every game for the Blues after making her debut in Round 1 of the 2018 season.

While Harrington admits that balancing her sport and studies presented unique challenges, she believes the support from La Trobe University and the proximity from home to Bendigo’s regional campus made her dream achievable.

“Once I found out that they could support me throughout my degree it was an easy decision to make. La Trobe University is renowned for producing great physiotherapists,” Harrington told latrobe.edu.au.

“LEAP does a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure athletes are able to just focus on their sport and study.

“When I first finished school I was reluctant to use the support networks available. I’d urge any athletes completing studies to speak to the La Trobe staff - they’re there to give you the best advice to make it through your degree.”


Kerryn Harrington played every game in her debut AFLW season. (Photo: AFL Media)

Harrington’s network at La Trobe provided further benefit in the fourth year of her degree when she sought to undertake work experience in a specialised area of clinical practice.

Through La Trobe’s industry partnership with the Carlton Football Club, Harrington secured a placement position with the Club’s exercise science team, working on game days to assist the Blues’ AFL players in their preparations.

“The internship was perfect because it enabled me to balance playing, studying and placement at the Northern Hospital during my last semester,” Harrington said.

“At the end of my degree I was offered a role as a physiotherapist at the club. I’m splitting my time between Ikon Park and Alphington Sports Medical which provides me experience in a clinical and high-performance environment.

“Once I’ve settled into my career I’d love to explore going back to University and getting my masters.”

As announced in March this year, La Trobe University is Carlton’s exclusive Higher Education partner. Over the coming years it will assist in the development of a full education suite through a Sports Development Institute to be located at Ikon Park, Carlton’s AFL and AFLW home.

La Trobe University is a member of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network (EAFU).  The EAFU recognises the unique needs of students who participate and compete in sport at an elite level.