13/10/2026
🏉 3 LESSONS I LEARNT AS A PLAYER GOING THROUGH ELITE FOOTBALL PATHWAYS
Having experienced elite football pathways myself, there are three valuable lessons I learnt that I believe every young footballer should take on board. 👇
1: TRAIN WITH THE BEST PLAYER 💪
Find the best or most highly rated player in your squad and challenge yourself against them.
Whether it’s during training drills, pre-training craft or competitive match simulation, put yourself alongside them.
Remember, this is potentially the player you’re competing against for a spot on an AFL list.
Ask yourself: Why are they currently considered the best? What separates them from everyone else?
Don’t shy away from the challenge. Embrace it, compete with them and learn from them. It’s only going to make you a better footballer.
2: ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE 🙌
You’re training and playing alongside some of the best young footballers in your region, state or even the country.
Don’t take that opportunity for granted.
Being selected into an elite pathway is a special achievement, and it’s something you should be proud of.
Work hard, challenge yourself, build friendships and most importantly, HAVE FUN!
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that when you’re genuinely enjoying your football, you’re often training and playing your best.
Don’t become so focused on where you want to get to that you forget to enjoy where you are right now.
3: DON’T BE AFRAID OF FEEDBACK 🧠
Feedback can be received in both positive and negative ways, but never be afraid of it.
Your coaches and mentors are there to help you develop, improve and reach your potential, not hold you back.
Not every piece of feedback will be what you want to hear, but sometimes the conversations that challenge you the most are the ones you need.
Use that feedback as fuel to improve.
Listen to it. Absorb it. Apply it.
Whether it’s in football or life, your ability to accept feedback and act on it will set you up for long-term success.
These are three lessons I wish I had fully understood when I was coming through the pathway system.
Challenge yourself. Enjoy the journey. Be coachable.
