Hard running midfielder Renee Garing spoke yesterday morning on SEN Breakfast about the club’s upcoming debut in the AFLW competition.
In an interview with Nigel Carmody and Nick Dal Santo, Garing spoke about the increased training intensity that comes with AFLW, her personal and team goals and the demands of juggling full-time work with a semi-professional sporting career.
The 30-year-old former netballer began playing AFL just two years ago and commented that during that time she has gone from learning the game to now preparing herself to play at the highest level in the country.
“I know it’s going to be a big step up in skill level and they say it’s a lot faster. So where you might have a little bit more time in the VFLW to have a look up and choose the right option, that pressure is gonna come from what I’m gathering. Even in training from the start of our pre-season with the girls, it’s been another big jump.”
Garing, who has an elite aerobic capacity, has made it her focus this pre-season to work on her decision making with ball in hand.
“I’m happy to go and run and get the ball, but then what I do with it and making the best choice and then also hitting the targets that I want. You can do it when you’re kicking with a friend, but with a lot more pressure coming it’s making that right decision.”
When it comes to team goals, Garing commented that the squad has focussed on team bonding.
“I think as a playing group it’s getting to know each other. I think that’s really important on and off the field. So getting to know each other and know people’s strengths is vital as we go into what is a short season. It’s kind of make or break every game, which is exciting in itself.”
Away from football Garing works full time as a secondary school teacher and although she is on holidays at the moment, her return to work coincides with the Round 1 blockbuster on February 2 against Collingwood.
“It’s the first week of school actually. My boss and my school have been great, they’ve been very flexible in things.”
“I’m probably lucky that I’m someone that I’m a morning and a night person, so I can run on both ends and I like to be busy. I think it takes a lot of balance and you’ve got to prioritise and think about what’s really important.”
