South Warrnambool export Renee Saulitis named in AFL Women's Academy

The 17-year-old was one of 52 players from around the country selected in the fourth intake of the academy, which will come together for accelerated Australian Football and personal development camps.

This year's intake includes two squads; 17 level one players, who are 16 years of age, and 35 level two stars, which includes the best 17-year-olds eligible for the 2020 AFL Women's Draft.

The Greater Western Victoria Rebels-listed player joins teammates Maggie Caris and Isabella Simmons in the level two squad, which features a total of eight Vic Country players.

Saulitis will be able to attend training sessions with AFLW clubs in December and January and have access to high performance training camps in January, April and August as well as athlete management systems, expert coaches, sports science and sports medicine staff.

The Ballarat Grammar year 11 student said she experienced a roller coaster of emotions when she found out about her selection.

"I was ecstatic about it but when (Greater Western Victoria Rebels coach) Rhys Cahir rang me and at first I didn't know what he was congratulating me on as I forgot all about it but then I was stoked about it after," she said.

Saulitis' excitement grew further when she spoke to current and former teammates, who are past members of the academy.

"It definitely helps develop on and off the field and Maggie Caris and Sophie Molan said it was a great thing for their development," she said.

"Soph said she loved it. She said the coaches were super supportive and that the training camps were fun with all the girls."

AFL National Female Talent Manager Sophia Samartzis said the fourth intake is the biggest squad to date.

"With the introduction of four new AFLW teams in 2020 the demand for young talent is higher than ever," she said.

"I look forward to the development of the players over the next 12 months as they strive for the dream of playing in the AFLW."

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The south-west's first AFLW draftee Georgia Clarke was part of the same academy before being picked by Geelong in 2018.

Saulitis joins fellow South Warrnambool export Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Penshurst's Josh Rentsch and Geelong Falcons' Henry Walsh, the younger brother of Carlton number one draft pick Sam, in an AFL Academy for 2020.

The former Rooster, who is a Geelong supporter, said she was looking forward to experiencing what the academy had to offer.

"We have the introduction this weekend but I know we get to train through one of the clubs, which will be good," she said.

"I don't think we get a choice on what club but I hope it's one of the closer ones so it is better for us."

The Vic Country representative, who plays as a small forward for the Rebels, is in the middle of school exams and has also started her preparations for her final NAB League season

"I've started back exercising as we start our pre-season next Wednesday," she said.

"I have been building my fitness up. It (pre-season) is fun when it comes around as footy is a bit of an all-year sport."

Saulitis hopes her dedication to building her tank will see her earn a modified role in Rhys Cahir's side in 2020.

"This year I mostly played forward, and a few times in the backline which was a good experience, but I will look to get into the midfield a little more," she said.

Saulitis played all nine of the Rebels games in 2019, finishing with four goals to her name.

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