With the new AFLW season getting underway in January, meet two of its brightest stars and a change maker of the game.
Sabrina Frederick
Collingwood Magpies forward. Sabrina, 25, is also a Puma athlete.
Family and friends would describe me as…
Optimistic as well as determined and unapologetically myself.
My fitness week usually includes…
Cardio and at least three weights sessions. I try my best to get outside of the gym, through football training, running (I’ve just completed my first marathon), cycling, walking the dogs, hiking, boxing, Pilates, swimming, gardening… you name it, I’ll do it!
I aim to be active once, if not twice a day. During preseason and the season itself, it’s a bit more strategic to make sure recovery is a priority.
As career highlights go…
It would have to be my first ever AFLW game [in 2017]. I am very humbled to be playing the game I love at the highest level, and that day is just a reminder of what can be if you really believe in yourself.
The advice that’s always stuck with me is…
My grade three teacher said, “If it is to be, it is up to me”. I take that to mean you are in control of how you live your life and the outcome, so don’t let others determine what happens in it.
On my bucket list…
Climbing Mount Kosciuszko [Oz’s highest peak] in the near future.
You’ll probably find me listening to…
Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast. It’s amazing – I’ve listened to almost every episode. If you are all about growth, this is the podcast for you. When it comes to books, I try to read 10 pages every morning –Untamed by Glennon Doyle is one every woman should read.
My go-to smoothie recipe has to be…
Banana, almond milk, peanut butter, spinach and some ice.
I’m inspired by…
My friends, family, teammates and anyone who continues to better and challenge themselves.
Being a role model…
Is a part of being in the public eye I don’t take lightly. I believe in leading with action and try to advocate Passionately for being a good person, helping others and wanting to be the best version of yourself.
My dream for the future of women in sport…
An equal playing field in terms of opportunity, where your sex isn’t a disadvantage.
Akec Makur Chuot
Richmond Tigers defender. Akec, 29, is an ambassador for the Cadbury Women in Sport initiative, which aims to champion female athletes, inspire the next generation, and promote visibility and equality in women’s sport.
Family and friends would describe me as…
Caring, funny, energetic.
My day starts with…
A cup of black tea and breakfast, before heading into my casual job – I’m a support worker for Millennium Disability Care. I finish around lunchtime and relax for a few hours before footy training. During preseason, we train four days a week – a session consists of on-field work, gym time, recovery and dinner with teammates – while the in-season training schedule varies depending on fixtures.
I’m studying for a health and wellbeing diploma, so that takes up a big chunk of the week, too.
As career highlights go…
Being drafted [by Fremantle] for the history-making AFLW inaugural season [in 2017] is a moment that’ll stay with me forever. Also, moving to Melbourne from Perth four years ago, then being part of Richmond Football Club as it entered the AFLW competition for the 2020 season.
My pre-game rituals tend to include…
Meditation, and a long morning walk while listening to African music to pump me up. I have a playlist called Game Day with a great mix of R&B, dancehall, house music, South Sudanese songs and Afrobeats.
You’ll find me eating…
Brunch is my favourite meal – my go-to is eggs benedict, traditional or with salmon. Plus, a black tea or soy chai latte with a shot of caramel.
I’m inspired by…
My mother Helena for her strength, vision, determination and spirit.
Being a role model…
Is a great honour and something I don’t take for granted. We female athletes need to be visible, tell our stories and encourage the next generation of sports stars; you can’t be what you can’t see. I’ve also been a big advocate for refugees [Akec was born in South Sudan and spent nine years in a Kenyan refugee camp before arriving in Australia aged 12] and ending racism, so communities can feel included and respected.
My dream for the future of women in sport…
Is for young athletes to be able to fulfil their aspirations without limitations and play professional sport full-time without having to juggle other jobs to make ends meet.
Amna Karra Hassan
AFLW pioneer. Amna, 30, founded the first AFLW team in Western Sydney, establishing the game in the region for women and diverse communities, contributing to the inauguration of the GWS Giants in the AFLW.
Sport is so much more than a game…
It cultivates a sense of community and confidence in participants. Aside from requiring athleticism,
AFL gave me an opportunity to explore identity politics such as race, gender, sexuality, power and privilege.
AFLW is brimming with talent…
Players to watch include Haneen Zreika, Daisy Pearce, Maddy Prespakis, Bri Davey and Ellie Blackburn.
I think footy has a really bright future…
AFL has a track record for building the game in new markets and I’m sure we’ll see that in the next few years. Perhaps we’ll also see full seasons, increased player pay and footy pathways will strengthen.
