Former Barooga local Eilish McCluskey leads award-winning team

McCluskey teaches physical education at the college but her true passion is football.

Recently the former Barooga local was in Albury leading a 23-member under-12s all-girls team, the Frillies, at the recent Australian Football Championships.

For McCluskey, it was a magical experience, made even more so by the fact that it was the first time an NT girls team was represented.

“To be part of the girl’s journey and to represent the NT as the first-ever girls side was surreal and amazing,” she said.

“I was very proud and privileged to coach the girls and represent the NT.”

Football has been in McCluskey’s blood since she could remember.

“I started playing AFL when I was four years old with my older brothers. I then did Auskick until I was 11 ... I always watched AFL and support the Richmond Tigers,” she said.

McCluskey had her first experience coaching a football team during her time at university (she also played football at the university), then moved on to coaching junior football teams.

“I (currently) coach junior level at regional and now state sides during the dry season and Division 2 women’s in the wet season in the NTAFL competition,” McCluskey said.

For her, the most rewarding part of being a coach is being able to see the players grow and to help them grow their skills and their confidence.

“When coaching, I like to build a holistic player who is strong and confident on and off the field, teaching them life-long skills they can use in life and other sports,” McCluskey said.

The Frillies were given an award for sportsmanship at the Australian Football Championships, an accolade which McCluskey believes was well deserved.

“My girls would support every other side, cheer on everyone and make tunnels for teams to run out through every chance they could. They would come off the field always happy and kept their heads high even when we lost every game,” she said.

“They deserved the award and to have all the other states cheer us on was so amazing.”

As for her views on female sports, McCluskey believes the more recognition the code gets the better it would be.

“Female sport has grown so much since I was young and to now have it being more televised and more opportunities or pathways for youth and women’s sports, it gives the young girls of today hope to one day play at the best level and represent their state or country,” she said.

“I would give anything to be 10 years old with the opportunities they now have today.”