Twins Amelia and Yasmin Anderson were spent after their first training session with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
They're used to pushing each other on the training track, but the Academy hitout was next level.
"I'm not going to lie to you, it was pretty tough,'' said 17-year-old Amelia.
But the twins, who are trialling for a place in the Academy's new Under 19 Youth Girls Squad, soaked up the experience.
"Rocking up we were pretty nervous,'' said Amelia. "But once we got a touch of the footy our nerves settled.
"We think we went alright, and Yaz and I thought it was great to train with a group of girls who have a high skill level. The fitness level was also much higher than our normal training, so it was a big step for Yaz and I, but that's what we want,'' she said.
They also picked up some surprising tips from the Academy coaches in their first session.
"We learnt about body language. We were told 'no hands on knees' when you're tired because it's bad body language. It makes sense. The way you set yourself up on and off the field says a lot about you,'' Amelia explained.
The twins had travelled from their home in Kangaroo Valley, two hours south of Sydney, to the Academy trial at Tramway Oval opposite the SCG.
It's a new era for the Academy, as it expands to include Under 17 and Under 19 Youth Girls Squads in 2021, taking over those age groups previously the responsibility of AFL NSW/ACT.
Academy general manager Chris Smith says there are 60 Under 19 girls from the Swans NSW geographical zone vying for 40 spots, and 50 Under 17 girls vying for another 40 places.
Smith says the overall standard at the first training session was impressive. "A lot of the players were very athletic and keen and eager to learn,” he said.
"But we're really focusing on their kicking, marking and handballing because it's their skill level that will ultimately decide which young women make it.”
The Anderson twins are typical of many of the young women trying out for the Academy. They're sporty and have excelled in a number of sports including athletics and netball.
"We're just focusing on footy now.'' And what do they love about it? "The tackling to be honest, and the team camaraderie. You have so much connection, it's like a family,'' said Amelia.
They started playing footy in Kiama about three years ago, and always have a training partner on hand. "Being twins, we've pushed each other and we're always training, we love getting out and having a kick. We have a pretty big rivalry.''
The twins – Amelia plays in the ruck and Yasmin is a forward – are hopeful of making it to the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and have big ambitions.
"The growth in AFLW is just so good to see, and interest is growing so much among the younger girls coming up,'' said Amelia.
"AFLW gives girls a motivation, something to look forward to, and they think 'that could be me'.''
