No week is ever boring when it comes to following our MSA Alumni and their quests. Let’s have a look at what they achieved this week.
Football/Soccer
MSA Alumni Naomi Chinnama started in all 3 games for the Young Matildas who were knocked out of the U20 Women’s world cup with a final game 3-0 loss to Spain. The Young Matilda’s finished 3rd in their ground having beaten the home side Costa Rica in their first game then losses to the might of Brazil and Spain.
Also Polly Doran has arrived at Crystal Place in the UK and started in the team’s first game of the Championship season. Crystal Palace defeated London City 1-0.
Cycling
Lucas Plapp has kicked off his Grand Tour Debut for Ineos Grenadier at the La Vuelta a Espana. Lucas currently sits 13 seconds off the pace in 11th place. The Vuelta a Espana is a 21 stage 3 week tour.
AFL
We have 5 MSA Alumni that could take part in their teams tilt for the 2022 AFL premiership this year. We would like to wish Cam Rayner, Luke Ryan, Joel Smith, Rylee West, Buku Khamis good luck as their teams finals campaign kick-off in two weeks’ time.
AFLW preview guide
The AFLW season kicks off this Thursday when old foes Carlton and Collingwood play the season opener on a Thursday night. This season we have our biggest amount of players in the AFLW and look forward to seeing how they all go. Here is a list of our MSA Alumni in the AFLW so you can follow their season
Aliesha Newman has had an off season move to Sydney from Collingwood. Aliesha started her career at the Melbourne football club in 2017 before a move to the Pies in 2021. A small forward she has kicked 16 goals in her 39 game career.
Charlotte Baskaran was drafted to Hawthorn in this year’s 2022 AFLW Draft. Charlotte is an elite midfielder who makes great decisions. Expect her delivery to the forward line to be exceptional.
Georgia Patrikios will resume her AFLW with the Saints after missing last year. In her 3 years since being drafted she has won 2 St Kilda Best and Fairest and has been named all Australian. She was also nominated for the rising star in round 1, 2020.
Libby Birch is in her 4th season at the Melbourne FC. Libby started her season at the Bulldogs and has played a total of 52 AFLW Games. An AFLW rising star nominee in 2018, her work in defence is tireless.
Amy Smith was drafted to Nth Melbourne in 2021 and has played in 6 AFLW games. She was the first father/daughter selection in the AFL following in her fathers Shaun’s footsteps. We look forward to her quick runs down the wing of Arden Street.
Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie at Richmond. What can be said about these 2 AFLW Superstars. Monique gave up a very promising Basketball Career to focus on the AFLW. After winning a premiership with the Bulldogs and being named best on ground in that 2018 Grand Final Monique has won her clubs best and fairest every year since. The Bulldogs in 2019 and Richmond’s in 20,21 and 22. While Ellie is in her 3rd season at Richmond after being the drafted with the number 1 pick in 2020. Her penetrating left foot kicks are regarded as the best in the competition
Georgie Prespakis is at the Cats after being drafter with pick 2 in the 2021 draft. She played 10 games in her first season and was named on the wing in the AFLW 22under22 Team of the year
Jess Fitzgerald was taken with pick 2 in the 2020 draft by the Bulldogs and has proven herself to be great ball winner. She earned a rising star nomination in 2021 and was named in the AFLW 22under22 team that year also.
We also congratulate Calvin Payne who has been appointed as head of Strength and Conditioning for the Bulldogs Women’s program. Cal was Head of S and C here at MSA also our former Physio Megan Smith has been appointed as head of medical for the Essendon AFLW program.