Year 7 Cobram Secondary College students with Essendon AFLW players Mia Busch, Sophie Van De Heuvel and Matilda Dyke.
Photo by
Abby Green
Elite AFLW talent made its way to Cobram last week, giving local students a rare opportunity to learn from some of the game’s leading players.
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Essendon AFLW players Mia Busch, Matilda Dyke and Sophie Van De Heuvel visited Cobram Secondary College on Thursday, June 18.
The players spent time with the Year 7 sports class answering questions, sharing their football journeys and kicking goals with the students.
Sports teacher Lauren Scott said it was a fantastic opportunity for the students to meet the AFLW players and learn how they got to the level they were at.
“These opportunities don’t exist every day for our students living in a rural location, and we were very grateful that they came to visit us in Cobram,” she said.
The Essendon players answered students’ questions and handed out club prizes.
Photo by
Abby Green
“The students really enjoyed asking questions, having a kick with the players and a goal kicking competition at the end.
“The players were really honest, supportive and encouraging and the students really enjoyed the session.”
Busch has been playing professional AFLW since its inception in 2022 and is going into her fifth season this year.
“I was very grateful to Essendon for giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level,” she said.
“I got drafted in Year 12 and that wouldn’t have been possible without the girls that blazed the path before me to give me the opportunity to do what I do now as a job.
The students enjoyed kicking the footy around with Essendon players.
Photo by
Abby Green
Busch said it was “really amazing” being able to go to different high schools and talk to kids.
“It’s a full-circle moment, being able to come to schools, talk to the kids and hopefully give a piece of advice that might help someone or just inspire the next generation,” she said.
“It's really important that they get to see us so that they know that they can get there, too.”
Busch said it was her first time visiting Cobram and she was enjoying it.
“It’s a beautiful place and there’s some great talent out here,” she said.
Player Mia Busch shows student Fairlie Evans the best way to hold the ball.
Photo by
Abby Green
For the students, the visit left a lasting impression.
Student Jack Brown said it was fun and the players were nice and encouraging.
“It was the best experience that I have ever had at school,” he said.
Student Finn Nolan said his favourite part was the goal kicking activity.
“It was really nice to meet Sophie, Matilda and Mia and for them to come to our school and do drills with us,” he said.
Student Fairlie Evans also enjoyed the experience with a bit of one-on-one advice from Busch.
“I love how they trained with us,” she said.
Students split into different groups and took turns passing the ball to each of the players.
Photo by
Abby Green
Students practised kicking goals with the players.
Photo by
Abby Green
Students enjoyed kicking the ball with the players, some even leaping to catch it.
Photo by
Abby Green
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