A new junior female football academy will be launched this season, providing a clear pathway for players to develop their skills and reach their full potential, with the aim of progressing into both league and state talent programs.
The Harvey Norman / Premix Concrete Talent Identification Program will feature approximately 30 female footballers aged 15 to 17, selected from across the Western Victoria Female Football League. The initiative is designed to identify and nurture emerging talent, offering players access to high-quality coaching and development opportunities.
The aim of the program is to improve the opportunities for players, giving them every chance to realise their potential and compete in elite talent pathway programs such as the V/Line Cup, Coates Talent League, VFL Women’s, and AFL Women’s.
The squad will be led by current Koroit Football Netball Club senior coach Joe McLaren, who brings an extensive football résumé. McLaren enjoyed an AFL playing career with St Kilda Football Club and North Melbourne Football Club, is a Life Member of the Hampden FNL, and has recently held a squad coaching role with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
He will be supported by assistant coach Pat Sherlock, along with a range of guest coaches contributing throughout the program.
The academy will focus on refining technical skills, enhancing decision-making, and developing game strategies through ball-centred activities and modified match play scenarios. This approach is designed to create an engaging, high-performance learning environment for all participants.
Importantly, the program aims to support the continued growth of female football in the region, providing meaningful opportunities for young athletes to advance along the talent pathway. It also seeks to inspire the next generation to follow in the footsteps of local success stories such as Emma Kearney, Jess Rentsch, and Maggie Johnstone, all of whom have progressed to AFLW lists.
Squad List
South Warrnambool
Arlie Kelson
Charli Jago
Ellie Hughson
Holly Whealan
Lila Evans
Tahlia Vessy
Lexi Lee (Port Fairy)
Niamh Ginley
Hamilton
Ruby Clever
Kirby Vise
Taya Sherlock
Cavendish
Anika Pohl
Mikala Pohl
Leayla Pohl
Matilda Mason
Niketa Wass
Ava Murrihy
Warrnambool
Star Jackson
Lucy Howland
Dekotah Ellis
Scarlett Pearce
Terang
Nikaiah Murfett
Maddie Wallace
Tayla Bell
Koroit
Eliza McDonnell
Ella McLaren
Eve Covey
Mia Robertson
Zoe Dobson
Lilly Shand
Elsie Finnigan
Anny Baker
Portland
Lidia Thomas
Charlee Coates
