It’s Monday, June 16 — exactly two months out from Essendon’s 2025 AFLW season opener against the GWS Giants in Canberra.

With pre-season training in full swing, today’s focus shifts to community engagement, as the squad breaks into smaller groups to visit 23 schools across Bendigo and Castlemaine. 

In group three, it's Maddy Prespakis, Alex Morcom, and new draftee Taya Chambers. 

After a drive down the Calder from the Hangar, their first stop is St Francis of the Fields Primary School in Strathfieldsaye, where the players take part in a Q&A session with grade four students. 

With most students just 10 years old, it’s remarkable to consider they’ve grown up in a world where AFLW has always existed. 

Each player shares her unique journey to the league and reflects on what they love about the sport, as students revel in the opportunity to interact, ask questions, and collect autographs. 

Next stop is St Peter's Primary School in Bendigo, where the focus for the grade five and six students is leadership. Accompanied by their beloved wellbeing dog, Oreo, the students pose thoughtful questions on topics ranging from diet and training routines to setbacks, injuries, and life beyond football. 

Morcom shares her inspiring journey of resilience—joining the team as an injury replacement and working her way to becoming a key player as she enters her fourth season in the league.

Meanwhile, Prespakis reflects on her dream-come-true story: a lifelong Essendon supporter who once cheered from Windy Hill wearing Jobe Watson’s No.4, now proudly playing on that same ground, wearing that same number. 

The third and final school visit is a kick-to-kick session at Kennington Primary School, where Taya Chambers is the king of the kids - at just 18, Chambers is fresh out of school herself.

Drafted from East Fremantle, she graduated in 2024 as college captain at Carey Baptist College in Harrisdale, Western Australia. She has a natural rapport with students, who gravitate toward her beaming smile. Alongside Prespakis and Morcom, she takes the school’s girls’ football team through a series of goal-kicking drills as they prepare for their inter-school football carnival in July. 

The three then reunite with the team for a group lunch, before heading into town for a Welcome to Country and cultural session at Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Cooperation (DJAARA). 

Rounding off the day, the squad take part in an Auskick session, providing over 100 young fans with further opportunities to engage directly with players. 
 
The value of regional visits such as today’s isn’t lost on the team, particularly Morcom and Prespakis.

Morcom hails from the Wimmera town of Warracknabeal, while Prespakis grew up in Romsey, just over an hour north of Melbourne. Both know firsthand the impact a visit from elite athletes can have on young people in country communities.

Through days like this, Essendon isn’t just sharing the game—it’s nurturing the next generation, building belief, and inspiring young fans to see themselves in the red and black. It’s a commitment the club carries proudly, continuing to champion connection, inclusion, and opportunity - on the field and far beyond it.