St Scholastica’s College students experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they proudly carried the national flags of Australia and Ireland onto North Sydney Oval ahead of the inaugural Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) international match between the two nations on Saturday 1 August.
Their experience began the day before the game when a selected group of St Scholastica’s College students were welcomed for an exclusive behind-the-scenes of Sydney Swans HQ. The visit commenced with an engaging presentation on the Australia v Ireland AFLW series, where students learned about the history of the international competition and the growth of women’s Australian Rules football.
Students then enjoyed an exclusive tour of the Sydney Swans Museum before putting their own AFL skills to the test on the synthetic field, where the Australian and Irish teams had been warming up just moments earlier.
Students also had the chance to watch both teams’ Captains Run, gaining a firsthand look at how elite athletes prepare for competition. The experience included some exciting highlights, with students having posters and merchandise signed by the players, as well as taking photos with members of the Australian team.
The visit provided students with valuable insights into the dedication, discipline and teamwork required to compete at the highest level of women’s sport. Watching elite female athletes prepare for international competition highlighted the commitment, resilience and determination needed to achieve success, both on and off the field.
On match day, students were excited to be part of the historic occasion, joining a packed crowd at North Sydney Oval for the inaugural AFLW international clash between Australia and Ireland. Being on the field before the match and witnessing the atmosphere of elite women’s sport at such close range created memories that will stay with them for years to come.
“Carrying the Australian flag onto the field at North Sydney Oval was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of fans cheering, and I felt incredibly proud and honoured to represent my school and Australia,” St Scholastica’s College student Abbie Lawson says.
Opportunities such as these reflect our school’s commitment to providing experiences that extend beyond the classroom and encourage students to engage with the wider community. Through sport, leadership and participation, students develop confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of teamwork and excellence.
This was truly a remarkable experience and one that will continue to inspire our students long after the final siren.
St Scholastica’s College — affectionately known as “Schols” — has been educating young women for 140 years, instilling values which […]