summer squad is a first-class AFL development and education program designed to transform your belief into performance. Facilitated by the Inner West Magpies Junior Club and AFL NSW Development Coach Gareth Newman, this program is your chance to gain an edge before the new AFL season.

Gareth Newman is a highly accredited development coach with experience spanning three sports across three continents. He currently holds development coaching roles with AFL NSW, Premier League, and the Swans Academy. A proven leader, Gareth has guided his teams to five premierships and is passionate about developing talent and helping young athletes reach their full potential.

What to Expect:

The 7-week program is open to athletes aged 9 to 17 yrs and covers all facets of AFL. Our focus is on improving skills to maximize enjoyment.

Tailored Coaching: Kids will be divided into small groups based on age and skill level. Each weekly session of 1.5 hours, is structured in both group and specialised coaching to provide personalised attention.

Actionable Feedback: Every child will receive a coach report with actionable feedback to guide their individual development long after the program ends.

Guest Coaches Include: Gareth Newman, NSW Development Coach, Jason Davenport, Head of Development at the GIANTS. Louis Cannatelli, Level 3 Development Coach.

Program Details

When: October 26th to December 7th, for 7 weeks.
Includes tickets to the AFLW Giants vs. Port Adelaide Game, Round 12. Session times will be allocated closer to the start date.

Where: Sessions will be held at W.H. Wagener Oval, Ashbury.

Cost: $189 for the entire 7-week program.

Program Co-Ordinator: Greg Lamrock 0413 537 211

Don't miss this opportunity to refine your skills, boost your confidence, and belief to become the best AFL player you can be!

  • Gareth Newman is a highly accredited development coach with experience spanning three sports across three continents. He currently holds development coaching roles with AFL NSW, Premier League, and the Swans Academy. A proven leader, Gareth has guided his teams to five premierships and is passionate about developing talent and helping young athletes reach their full potential.

  • Louis Cannatelli is a Level 3 coach with extensive experience in senior and junior levels of football. He has coached for over a decade at elite levels, including six years at the senior level with the Manly Wolves and at the junior level with the Manly Bombers.

  • Jason Davenport serves as the Head of Development for the GIANTS, he is responsible for nurturing the club's emerging talent and overseeing their progression to elite AFL level. Davenport brings a comprehensive understanding of talent pathways to the GIANTS, Previously held the position of Head Coach for the Murray Bushrangers in the NAB League and assistant coach with Carlton's AFLW team. As well as an AFL player with Port Adelaide.

  • Kicking Fundamentals

    The Drop Punt is the most accurate and reliable kick in the game. Our goal is to develop a consistent, repeatable technique that holds up under pressure, ensuring we hit our targets and maintain possession.

  • Marking Fundamentals

    A good marking player attacks the football at its highest point, uses their body to their advantage, and has strong, clean hands. We coach our players to be proactive and courageous in the air.

  • Contest Fundamentals

    AFL is a contest-based game. The team that consistently wins the ball when it's in dispute will control the game. We teach our players to be brave, smart, and technically sound in contested situations, both on the ground and in the air.

  • Footy IQ

    Footy IQ is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. We develop this by encouraging players to scan the field, anticipate the play, and understand the options before they get the ball. Awareness, Anticipation, Decision Making Under Pressure, Understanding Space.