TWO former Brigidine College students numbered among the AFLW’s championship Brisbane Lions team this year.
Natalie Grider, class of 2017, and Emily Bates, class of 2012, returned to the college for a question and answer session with past teachers and current sporting students.
Ms Grider shared about the commitment and sacrifice required to be a professional AFL player.
“We allocate time each week to rehab, field, gym, conditioning, technical coaching and mindset sessions,” she said.
Brigidine college captain and AFL enthusiast Bel Scott asked how many hours the gifted athletes train each week.
“We train almost every night from 4pm onwards and don’t really get home until 10pm,” Ms Bates said.
“We wake up early the next day and head to our day jobs or to University.”
Students were surprised to hear that female athletes also worked in another job.
An eye-opening session about the gender pay gap in sport but one where students could see that change was in the making.
“Seeing these past students has really set the tone for future leaders in Sport, to continue on their trailblazing work,” Brigidine sports director Laura David said.
“Brigidine students are resilient, inclusive and dedicated in their approach to all life has to offer and Emily and Nat are fantastic examples of these values,” Ms David said.
Principal Brendan Cahill said he was humbled to see both Ms Grider and Ms Bates back at the college, giving up their time to encourage the next generation.
The Brigidine students are keen AFL players preparing to compete in the SEQld rep competition in a few weeks, the Q Schools Cup.
