1. Pre-tournament training: “Up until the two weeks before Nationals I keep training the same, working on general fitness and lots of agility and strength work. In the last two weeks leading into the tournament, I focus on skills, practicing roll balls against someone trying to push me over, passing practice and anything skills related. In the last week I don’t do any high intensity running or games.”
2. Pre-game hydration: “I drink as much water as I can before I head onto the field. Usually I drink at least 3 to 4L at night, then once I wake up I just constantly drink. During the game I always drink either a yellow or red Gatorade and a little bit of water.”
3. In her bag: “My uniform and boots are the first things I pack. Then swimmers, two or more nice outfits and then Linebreak skins and one of my boyfriend’s tops to wear at night, a little superstition. I pack my teddy (yes, I still sleep with my teddy). Then my rain jacket and lots of socks.”
4. Game-day breakfast: “This sounds odd but I usually have a cheese and bacon roll and a Milo. Eating before a game really depends on if I’m feeling nervous or not. If I’m nervous I find it hard to eat. But if I’m feeling low in energy, I’ll have some crackers or a banana.”
5. Pre-game rituals: “I have lots. I always have to have my hair the same (two braids into a high pony) and have to have ribbon in my hair. Our Alliance team usually makes anklets the night before game day, and we each put a personal word on them to motivate us. Another thing I always do before a game day is have a chat with my mum, she always seems to calm my nerves and help me prepare. I also either call my sister or my boyfriend for some motivation and sometimes to calm my nerves.”
6. Best warm-ups: “Ball drills with lots of chat are always great because I feel they get any little nerves out of the way. I always love to stretch my glutes and hamstrings before a game also. Our team sometimes plays one of Combat’s funny games like bang or something.”
7. Hot-weather playing tips: “A spray bottle is always handy. If it’s really hot during a game I always eat an ice cube from the Esky when I come off, it helps a lot! I also usually just try not to think about the heat, if I put all my focus to the game I can usually ignore the heat.”
8. Bonus tips: “Definitely wear compression tights to bed every night. And do ice baths, your body will thank you during the next game! Whenever I get super nervous before a game I look at Leah Percy and she gives me a little nod and smile and it chills me out. Just find that one person who calms your nerves and you’ll be sweet!”
