Richmond AFLW player Tessa Lavey shares her recollections from the team's recent pre-season camp at Strath Camp...

Our 2023 AFLW pre-season camp is done and dusted! While I unfortunately won't be taking part in the upcoming season due to a toe injury, I loved the opportunity to get out to Strath Creek and bond with the girls as we took part in some very fun challenges and activities.

Overall, the camp was a valuable chance to deepen our connections, set intentions for the season ahead and enjoy one another's company.

Here is my diary from the camp...

It was the night before camp and I was contemplating packing my swag... or just the doona and pillow like my fellow camp mates! Doona in hand, Bec Miller picked me up bright and early the next morning and together we drove 90 minutes to The Village Green in Strath Creek. We were straight into things, as the group had a big footy session on the green (field), while I rode my bike like I was a part of the Tour De France. 

Once the on-field session was completed, it was time for a snack, followed by a quick pump session in the gym. Richmond Vice President Henriette Rothschild kept us company in the gym as she joined in the session.

For the remainder of camp, we were grouped into 'World Cup' teams for an assortment of challenges. There were six teams competing in our World Cup; my team Brazil, as well as Japan, Switzerland, France, USA, Sweden and of course the coaching staff who picked Australia (the Matildas). 

Our first little competition in the World Cup required us to drag a tyre and push a wheel barrow with 40kgs of weight in it around a course for 25 minutes, non-stop. 

Once we completed that, the group was fairly exhausted, but most of all,  hangry! So, it was time for lunch and showers.

We then went into a culture and team-building session which included working on some goals for the upcoming season and setting some standards that we want to build on.

This was followed by some dinner, and of course dessert, after a big day on the track.

We also snuck in some snacks and marshmallows by the camp fire. Lots of stories were shared and we were quick to get into bed for the big World Cup the following day.

We started bright and early with coffee, and with the elixir of life in us, we went on a hike to see the sunrise. Some of us went up in a buggy and let me tell you, that was a ride and a half! On the way up, we realised the fog wasn’t clearing and as we got to the top, it still hadn’t cleared. But, that didn’t stop us from doing some meditation and relaxation at the top. On the way back down, we could smell the breakfast and coffee at the bottom, so that certainly gave us a pep in our step to get back. Richmond President John O’Rourke joined us for the the hike, while his wife Trish was kind enough to make the toast we had for breakfast.

Once we had eaten, the World Cup had officially commenced! 

The World Cup competition was comprised of these challenges:

- Soccer keepings off
- Frisbee throw
- Ring toss
- A riddle challenge
- A group presentation on the country we were representing

We started off with the presentations and boy, did that get us off to a flying start!

We kicked off with a strong performance from my team Brazil, then onto the French who shared some frogs legs with everyone.

Switzerland came next and their powerpoint was on point, complete with a dance from the one and only Grace 'Greg' Egan. 

Japan then put on a show with some Japanese gameshow games and a marshmallow-eating competition (shoutout to Jess Hosking who finished with an impressive 24).

USA was up next, and the red, white and blue impressed.

But, the star of the presentations was Sweden where ABBA appeared, led by the amazing Katelyn Cox who did a solo to steal both the show and everyone’s hearts.

We then went onto the rest of the events and all the teams put in strong efforts. But, the team who was most consistent on the day and came away with the 'World Cup' trophy was was Brazil. Captain Jemima Woods spoke and notably said "thanks to all the other teams who did good, just not good enough", drawing plenty of laughs from her teammates. 

Once the World Cup was completed, we packed up camp and ate some lunch before doing a camp wrap up and heading on our way home. Fun was had and marshmallows eaten!

The group showed plenty of connection, an attitude to learn and improve, and a whole lot of excitement for what's ahead. I'm looking forward to seeing that in action throughout the 2023 season.