Lions AFLW Coach Craig Starcevich lived up to his promise of a two-kilometre time trial on January 2nd, the first day of training for the women after they returned from Christmas break. But his players decided to one-up him, with most of the 26 who took part achieving personal bests.
Womens Physical Performance Manager Matt Green said he was not surprised by this result.
“I think they’ve worked extremly hard over the summer as a group which has been really pleasing,” he said.
“Everyone has been making significant improvements which is a good testament to what they’ve been doing on field, but also off field.
“It shows their application and commitment to their football Club with Round 1 just around the corner.”
Irish recruit Orla O’Dwyer again finished first and posted a time sub seven minutes, another personal best.
Before arriving in Australia she had never run a two kilometre time-trial before and the Lions has been her first experience of a professional sporting environment.
“She’s just someone that comes into a professional envirnoment and seeing the fruits of her labour in terms of what she’s getting out of the gym and everything else,” Green said.
“We didn’t expect her to do a massive personal best because her focus is on other areas.”
Rheanne Lugg placed second again and in third place this time around was Maria Moloney, who missed the first one due to injury. Hannah Hillman, who won the two-kilometre time trial at the recent AFLW Combine finished fourth.
“We know that both of them have come from pretty established running backgrounds,” Green said.
“Hannah’s a tremendous athlete, particualy for her size.
“Maria also has an athletic background, she’s run in marathons before.”
One of the biggest stories to come out of the time trial was Breanna Koenen’s result. Now in her fourth season, and recently elevated into the leadreship group, she ran her fastest time yet and shaved a minute off her time from last year.
“She’s someone who’s demonstrating the work ethic of our group,” Green said.
“She’s creating a bit of in house compeittion in the midfield and has put herself in that frame.”
“Selection will be a very tough decision for our coaches coming up to the practice matches.”
*Sophie Conway, Sharni Webb and Jesse Wardlaw did no take part in the run.
Top Ten Finishers
- Orla O’Dwyer
- Rheanne Lugg
- Maria Moloney
- Hannah Hillman
- Cathy Svarc
- Selina Priest
- Breanna Koenen
- Tahlia Hickie
- Lauren Arnell
- Nat Grider
