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.

Summer Squad is an academy-style experience that focuses on developing fundamental skills, decision-making, and game sense in a positive and confidence-building environment. The program is built on three key pillars: improving skills, building confidence, and having fun.|

Squad Groups

The training content is designed to be age-appropriate and maximise development for each group:

  • Junior Squad - U9 - 12 Boys and Girls: The focus is on fun, maximum participation, basic skill development, and understanding basic game structures.

  • Youth Boys Squad - U13 - 17 Boys: This group will experience more advanced skill development and game structures. The program includes a full senior experience covering set-ups, specific roles, and a focus on health, fitness, and recovery.

  • Youth Girls Squad - U13 - 17 Girls: This group will experience more advanced skill development and game structures. The program includes a full senior experience covering set-ups, specific roles, and a focus on health, fitness, and recovery.

The program will begin on Sunday, October 19, for the Benchmarking Session.

Sessions will run from 9am to 10:30am. We ask that all participants arrive at 8.45 am for each session.

Weekly Development Schedule:

  1. Week 1 - Oct 19: Benchmarking – hands, feet, speed, agility, flexibility

  2. Week 2 - Oct 26: Meet Head Coach Louis, kicking techniques

  3. Week 3 - Nov 2: Marking, leading, and decision-making

  4. Week 4 - Nov 9: Contest work, in-tight drills, and mini games

  5. Week 5 - Nov 16: Building on kicking drills with higher intensity

  6. Week 6 - Nov 23: Advanced marking, leading, and decision-making

  7. Week 7 - Nov 30: High-intensity contest work

  8. Week 8 - Dec 7: Special session with a Guest Coach!

Commitment & Expectations:
To ensure a productive and positive experience for everyone, we ask all squad members to commit to the following principles:

  • Fast into the huddle, and fast out to the drill.

  • Front and center to the coach.

  • Listen and learn.

  • Be confident.

  • Look after each other.

  • Be ready on time.

  • Have fun!

The core foundations of our age-specific training sessions include:

  • Fundamental AFL skills

  • Decision-making ability

  • Game scenario/sense drills

Program Details

When: October 19th to December 7th, for 8 weeks.
Includes tickets to the AFLW Giants vs. Port Adelaide Game, Round 12.

Where: Sessions will be held at W.H. Wagener Oval, Ashbury.
Cost: $189 for the entire 8-week program.

The Summer Squad Team,
Gareth Newman, Head of Development
Louis Cannatelli, Head of Coaching
Greg Lamrock, Program Co-Ordinator 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!

Join the Squad

  • 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.