SUNS Academy duo Darcie Davies and Sienna McMullen will join their AFLW Academy counterparts in its first high-performance training camp in Victoria this weekend.

The Gold Coast pair, who are both eligible for the 2023 AFLW Draft to be held following the 2023 season, were selected in the sixth intake of the AFLW Academy – a program designed to prepare promising young talent for progression into elite programs – in November last year.

The camp, beginning this Friday and hosted at Essendon’s home base, The Hangar and Geelong Grammar, is the first of three 2023 training camps for this year’s intake.

This weekend’s camp will see players take part in a range of football and education sessions.

National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer said: “We are excited to have the AFLW Academy come together for their first camp of the 2023 program and look forward to working closely with this extremely promising group of players throughout the year.

“The 2023 AFLW Academy comprises players from every state and territory in Australia and features a selection of the most talented young female footballers in the country.

“The players involved in the AFLW Academy will take part in a specialised football program that will further develop elite training habits and enhance their skill set both on and off the field.

“Players will have access to elite coaching and facilities and will gain a first-hand experience of the professionalism and standards required to make it at the highest levels of our game.

“As well engaging in high performance and personal development sessions, players will also have the chance to connect with their peers by participating in team-bonding activities.”