Women impress at testing

Sue Nalder in the vertical jump

Off the back of the dry season's AFLNT Women's Lightning Series and heading into the 2017/18 TIO NTFL season, some of the most talented female footballers in the Top End took part in testing at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre on Thursday night.

With the NAB AFLW Draft to be held on Wednesday 18 October and AFLNT in partnership with the Adelaide Crows in the AFLW competition, nine NT women were put through their paces.

They were tested in the same way as the men; in the vertical jump, agility, sprint and beep test.

State Academy Development Coach Jimmy Driscoll said he was pleased with the effort and results.

"The testing is an important step in the process to becoming an elite performer. With the AFLW Draft less than three weeks away, the women put in a great showing and should be proud of their efforts. We certainly have a few potential stars in the group," he said. 

The top performers in each of the tests were:

  • 20m sprint - Ashley Fitzpatrick - 3.288 secs
  • Agility test - Kristy Irvine - 8.35 secs
  • Beep test - Ashley Fitzpatrick - level 12.5
  • Standing vertical jump - Tricia Muller and Lori Niven - 49cm
  • Running vertical jump (right) - Kristy Irvine - 62cm
  • Running vertical jump (left) - Sue Nalder - 59cm