Fremantle’s AFLW coaching staff were given the opportunity to pick the brains of the men’s coaching group on Monday, as part of a collective learning day.

AFLW senior coach Trent Cooper, senior assistant Craig Thomas, forwards coach Amy Lavell and opposition and strategy coach Lisa Webb followed the men’s program as they integrated with their fellow coaches.

Head of Development for Fremantle’s men’s team Simon Eastaugh ran them through specific coaching methods and strategies.

The professional development day provided an opportunity for Cooper and his team to implement key learnings within the AFLW program.

Cooper said it was a great learning experience to spend the full day with the AFL coaching team. 

“It was great, we started with the team meeting at 8.45 in the morning and learned what they wanted to achieve out of the day,” Cooper said. 

“We watched a few things, especially the coaches and looking at how they’re communicating and getting the message across.

“We also took note of a few of the drills and saw what could be transferred to our program.

“We can pick and choose what works for us, and it’s been fantastic to see how the players carry themselves.”

Cooper said he could see the strong similarities between the two programs.

“A lot of it for us is a reinforcement that we are on the right path with the way we go about our planning,” Cooper said.

“We run a pretty similar format to the way the boys run their training.”

 As well as structured training, the AFLW coaches were also part of the individual line meetings and skills program.

“We had a bit of an informal chat over lunch yesterday which was great,” Cooper said. 

“It was fantastic to work with the individual lines throughout the afternoon and join in with their skills and touch session.

“I’m sure there was a lot that our coaches picked up on in terms of how they want to conduct our AFLW line meetings and skills sessions as well.”