Senior Victorian representatives Jess Egan, Natalie Wood, Cecilia McIntosh, Emma Phillips, and new MUGAR, Mariah Marshall, obtained a place in the Victorian Women’s Football League’s new Academy.

Egan, who is known for her ability to win the hard ball was rewarded for her hard work with selection, whilst veteran Wood, the 1998 best first year player whose amazing endurance shows she has no plans to slow down, continues to impress selectors. McIntosh, was invited after becoming the club’s first Helen Lambert Medallist in only her second year of football. Phillips' selection is a just reward for the three time Victorian representative, whose brillant form at centre half back was vital in the MUGARS' 08 campaign. Marshall, a four time junior Victorian representative and three time South East Youth Girls Best & Fairest winner, was acknowledged as one of the State’s most promising footballers with an invitation into the Western Bulldogs based Academy.

When the second AFL Victoria Youth Girls Academy squad was announced at the inaugural Youth Girls Presentation Dinner in October last year, there were five MUGARS awarded places in the new squad. Sian Wilson returns for her second stint in the Youth Girls Academy, whilst 2008 Under 17s Captain, Dana McMillan, and Vice Captain, Ruby Grounds received invites. Western Youth Girls Best & Fairest Runner Up Tess Haywood and Western interleague representative player, Alex Saundry, rounded out the black and blue contingent at the Windy Hill based under 18 Academy.

The VWFL Academy will spend four months on both on and off field development which will be geared towards Victorian selection training beginning in May. The Youth Girls Academy will spend the next year together, developing themselves as players and people once a month.

The Melbourne University Women’s Football Club looks forward to watching the future development of all selected players, and reaping the benefits from the shared knowledge the players bring back to all players and officials at the club.