Three months after winning her second AFLW Premiership, Crows vice-captain Angela Foley took on a coaching role at Seymour College.
Foley, also a secondary school teacher, had been juggling relief work during the 2019 season, which allowed her flexible working hours alongside her AFLW training commitments.
After working a few days at Seymour College, it didn’t take long for the school to approach her with a coaching role for their Year 8/9 girls football team.
Tallulah, one of Seymour’s students and footballers, said the students were thrilled to have Foley take the reins and share her football knowledge.
“I was so excited when I learnt that Ange was going to be coaching me this season, I couldn’t believe how lucky we were,” Tallulah said.
“Ange is an excellent female role model who’s inspiring our team to strive to be the best that we can.
“How fantastic to be coached by such an amazing sporting hero.”
In only their second year of playing football, coach Foley led them to a Grand Final.
“We lost by seven points but reflected positively on a great season,” Foley said.
“Having a hand in helping these girls achieve their goals, on field and off field, that’s what excites me and keeps me coming back.”
Foley addressing some of her players
Foley proudly admitted she shared many of AFLW coach Matthew Clarke’s coaching qualities and knowledge with the next generation.
“They are all going to be Crows one day so they will be ready,” she said with a laugh.
“I may steal a fair few of Doc’s drills and structures, but I simplify them so that the girls can begin to understand the game.”
Foley’s reasons for coaching was to continue to give back to the game that has given her so much.
One of the greatest rewards of coaching for Foley was witnessing the girls’ pure desire to learn and improve.
Foley also uses football as a platform to educate and inspire the girls about key life messages.
“They are little sponges. While coaching them they eye-ball you and hang off every word,” Foley said.
“They listen, they want to improve and learn. We also had a lot of fun.
“I talk to them a lot about making mistakes and getting better. If we don’t make mistakes, we don’t learn from them.”
Foley admits the Seymour girls have re-ignited her passion for coaching and is excited to continue with the group next year.
“They are a very special bunch of girls, they have taught me a lot,” she said.
