Julia Teakle
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Born and raised in Geraldton
- Played a range of sports growing up; football, netball, basketball, tennis and waterpolo
- Represented Country WA at 2018 national championships in basketball
- Played 3 seasons of GNFLW for Northampton Rams
- Played a season of WAFLW in 2022 for East Fremantle
- Signed to Port Adelaide FC in 2022 and currently playing in 2nd season of AFLW.
WHAT IS YOUR PREPARATION TOWARDS A SEASON?
- I will usually come home to WA from Adelaide for a couple of months to spend time with family and friends
- During this time, we have an off-season program to complete - typically 3 running sessions and 2-3 gym sessions a week
- I have a big focus on working on my aerobic fitness, agility and speed so coaches tailor the program to help with that.
WHAT IS YOUR GAME DAY ROUTINE?
- Depending on timing of the game, get out and go for a short walk and a coffee
- Write down 3 key objectives for me to focus on in the game
- Have peanut butter, honey and banana on toast 2-3 hours before the game
- Get to the oval early and stretch, warm up and have a kick
WHAT HELPS YOU FOCUS PRIOR AND DURING A CONTEST?
Prior
- Watching vision on opposition
- Team meetings
- Writing down 3 short, succinct points for me to focus on that I can refer to during the game
During
- Get around teammates and celebrate the small wins
- Try not to get caught up if I make a mistake - focus on how I can impact next
WhEN YOU ARE AT A LOW POINT OR SLUMP DURING A SEASON, WHO AND WHAT GETS YOU OVER THE HURDLE?
Talking to my friends and family about the problem or just hanging out with them, taking my mind off the issue.
Sometimes I would write down in my journal what is going on, just to get my thoughts out.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THAT STICKS WITH YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES?
The tough times are not going to last forever. They help shape you and some of your biggest learnings come from the biggest hardships.
DURING A CONTEST, WHEN THE GAME IS GOING AGAINST YOU, WHAT HELPS YOU REST AND REFOCUS?
Go back to my 3 key objectives I set at the start of the game and focus on controlling the controllables; whether that is a defensive effort or just my work rate
ANY ADVICE FOR THE FUTURE PROFESSIONALS THAT MAY READ THIS CONVERSATION?
Enjoy the times with your teammates and building connections. Winning is important but sometimes the off field moments as a team are the most memorable.
from the writer:
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