AFL/AFLW

Program Overview

The aim of the Maribyrnong College Football Academy is to develop a training program to complement elite Victorian junior football players in their pathway towards NAB Leagues, VFL and AFL representation.

 We strive to develop talented young football players through quality coaching and programming who can balance sporting and academic performance. Enabling students to be organised and internally motivated in their desire to achieve while providing a safe and productive learning environment, where students are respectful and respected within the College Community.

 

High Performance Coaching

Football Academy skill development sessions are held at 7.30am up to two mornings per week during the school terms.  The morning sessions allow MSA to complement the afternoon training sessions of the NAB League pathways programs.

The program aims to develop skills within an integrated learning environment focusing on refining technical skills, decision-making skills and game strategies through ball centred activities and modified games. 

In addition, support of MSA specialist athlete services staff work holistically with the program to assist student-athletes in areas of; strength and conditioning, performance psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and wellbeing.

 

Coaches

Head Coach - Danny Sexton

Danny recently joined MSA after 16 years employment at St. Kilda FC with his time including stints as Development Manager, Director of Coaching and Performance and Head of Football Operations.  His assistant coaching roles at the club included development, offence, defence and the line positions of midfield and backline.

Assistant Coaches

Scott Lucas

  • Played 270 AFL games for Essendon FC and Won two Best and Fairest Medals

  • Inducted into the Essendon Hall of Fame and played in the 2000 AFL Premiership

  • Current player manager at Phoenix management group

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Anton Grbac

  • Playing career with Essendon FC and West Torrens in the SANFL

  • Senior administrator at AFL Victoria for over 20 years (AFL Victoria State Director of Coaching, High Performance Manager and State Pathway level coaching and selection roles)

  • AFL Club Port Adelaide FC, Specialist coach and Recruitment roles

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Martin Walsh

  • Experienced PE teacher, MSA from 2016

  • MSA Academy and NAB League Pathways coach

  • Playing career included time at Werribee FC in the VFL

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Jaimi Paton

  • College Staff Member

  • Current VFLW player, Western Bulldogs

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Program Achievements

AFL Drafted Athletes

Baku Khamis, Cam Raynor, Touk Miller, Rory Atkins, Joel Smith

Peter Wright, Paul Curtis, Luke Ryan, Jordan Boyd, Zak Butters

Kayne Turner, Rhylee Wes, Josh Honey, Emerson Jeka

Jack Bytel, Massimo D’Ambrosio

AFLW Drafted Athletes

Charlotte Baskaran, Jess Fitzgerald, Amy Smith, Alicia Newman

Georgie Prespakis, Georgia Patrikios, Monique Conti, Ellie McKenzie

Libby Birch