Elise O'Dea : ACT

Coming from a non-traditional AFL territory has been no barrier to Elise O’Dea learning the code and basing her game plan on that of Chris Judd’s.

"I love watching him break a tag," said O’Dea.

Despite having represented the ACT five times this is the first time she has been selected in the All Australian team and the AFL Women’s High Performance Academy.

O’Dea was one of eight players from the 2011 National Women’s Championships to be selected to attend the AIS/AFL Academy during AFL Grand Final week.

"It was so exciting learning from the best coaches," commented Elise. "I learnt lots of new skills and pieces of knowledge that I intend to share with others in ACT."

And O’Dea’s local team, the Belconnen Magpies should also benefit from her week in Melbourne as Libby Sadler, AFL NSWACT’s female football development coordinator believes Elise works just as hard off the field for female football as she does on it.