There are high hopes a Brimbank teenager will become another Western Bulldogs success story.
Emma Camilleri, 16, was one of 40 young leaders who last week graduated from the Bulldogs’ inaugural Whitten Project.
The initiative seeks to instil healthy values and sharpen the skills of year 9 and 10 students from five western suburbs municipalities.
As part of an eight-month program involving 16 sessions, Emma learned football skills from young Bulldog Jason Tutt, enjoyed talks by Geelong premiership captain Tom Harley and former AFL player and Bali bombing survivor Jason McCartney, and almost kicked a goal at Etihad Stadium during half-time of a Bulldogs match.
Another key part of the program was the planning of a community project.
The Taylors Lakes Secondary College student has organised a netball camp for early next year to help young players learn the game’s rules.
“We had to target a local club, find out the strengths and limitations of that club and then design a program to help them,” she said. “Some younger players can struggle with the rules of netball, so the camp will help them with that.”
Emma said she found rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harley and McCartney inspiring.
“I learnt all about strength and working on your limitations,” she said.
“The whole thing has given me confidence to talk to my peers and get involved in community events.”
