Balancing footy, study and career aspirations can be tough, but it’s made a little easier when they’re all taking place in the same building. 

Through Essendon’s partnership with RMIT and the subsequent Essendon Education Academy program, two of the Club’s VFLW youngsters in Maggie O’Connell and Brooke Plummer are getting exposure to the sports industry and paving their career paths all whilst playing high-level footy.

The pair have taken unique individual paths to the Club in dual roles as students and athletes.

Plummer initially joined Essendon VFLW after a top-level tenure with Geelong’s AFLW side, continuing her footy aspirations and taking the opportunity to ‘take a leap’ with her life away from footy.

For O’Connell, that leap required an interstate move, packing her bags from Queensland to crack into the sports industry both as an Essendon fan, player and willing student as part of the program’s mid-year intake.

Essendonfc.com.au sat down with the duo to discuss their respective journeys to the Club, giving an overview of how the Essendon Education Academy (EEA) is creating opportunities for students of all interests.

O’Connell: ‘I knew it was where I wanted to end up’

I’m originally from Queensland, so I actually saw the program first come up when mum sent an ad to me via Messenger.

I just wanted to get out of the state and just try for something in the sports industry, because I knew it was where I wanted to end up.

Growing up a Bomber fan, I knew it was that perfect fit to go and study with the Club I’d grown up barracking for too, which definitely helped.

The idea that it could lead to getting to know people within the Club, expand my network and get exposure to the VFLW program was all part of the purpose for me.

My plan was always to start with the EEA and just branch out to meet as many people as possible.

They’re two different environments - especially for me as a mid-year student – coming in this year with a completely new class of students for the most part.

I would say that they are similar in the way they make me feel like I can be myself. It’s a really fun culture in both programs, with how the footy-oriented class discussion can mirror the training in that sense.

I love rolling into the classroom knowing I’m getting to stay back into the afternoon for the VFLW, it provides a really fun aspect for me.

I think being a mid-year student is good even just on account of how many people you get to meet with two different environments.

Having two different groups to wrap your head around is a really good thing and once you’ve come back from that break to kick off the second year, you know what you’re doing and can be a helping hand for the new students just starting.

Being a three-day per week program, it’s still really flexible with the placements on offer, which I’ve really enjoyed.

With Brooke and I playing footy at a pretty high level, they’re quick to wrap their arms around us and show support with our schedule when we need it as well.

Plummer: From ‘facing a brick wall’ to lapping up the benefits of the EEA

I felt like I was facing a brick wall with what I was doing career-wise and what I wanted next away from just playing footy.

My aunt saw an EEA Facebook post and suggested it might be the best bet for me, as it was all in the one place and I was already on board for the VFLW program.

Especially placement-wise, I’ve established a pretty good connection with ‘Hendo’ (Wheelchair Senior Coach Chris Henderson), I get to head down on Thursdays and spent time with that entire crew, which has really opened my eyes.

Coaching with the NGA has been another placement which has stood out to me, having done it a couple of times in the space of a few weeks.

Our class has gelled so well, we’re a really lively bunch but that balance between study, footy and social time has been important through the people we’ve met and seeing the different sides.

Sometimes it’s just getting to know people and widening your friendship group, sometimes it’s business connections, sometimes it’s going into bat for your teammates. It’s a great mix.

For me, when I was at that crossroad thinking about what was next, I wanted to take a leap into something hands-on but also get that knowledge of what a uni experience can look like, which I’ve gotten in the first few months here.

I’ve had to adjust a bit with work, so there’s a fair bit going on, but the support (on and off the field) has been unreal. We have plans in order and the teachers have been amazing on that front in catering to it.

Applications for the 2025 mid-year intake are now open - More information can be found here.