Territory football stars Lateesha Jeffrey and Rhiannon Busch continue their coaching journey

EXPERIENCED Territory football stars Lateesha Jeffrey and Rhiannon Busch are paving the way for young women both on the field and in the coach’s box

Lateesha Jeffrey and Rhiannon Busch showing their passion for the sport both on and off the field. Picture: AFLNT Media

EXPERIENCED Territory football stars Lateesha Jeffrey and Rhiannon Busch are paving the way for young women both on the field and in the coach’s box.

The pair of proud Indigenous women are both club mates at Southern Districts and close friends and have a shared interest in mentoring and growing local footballers igniting their coaching journey.

Both have completed their Foundation Level 1 coaching course and looking to complete their Talent Development Level 2 and Women’s Coaching Pathway program, She Can Coach.

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They are currently serving as assistant coaches for the NT Thunder Girls Academy sides.

Busch has been playing in Darwin since the age of 13 playing for Palmerston and Districts along the way as well as captaining the first NT Buffaloes Women’s side.

She has also represented NT Thunder, NT Kites, and played in Australian Army and Australian Defence Force teams.

“I would love to work in the AFL or AFLW in some capacity down the track,” Busch said.

“Either in the talent space or mentoring within Indigenous programs although I do not want to give up playing footy too early.

“More than anything, I love being able to impart knowledge to younger players who want to learn and grow as footballers.”

Jeffrey has played over 160 NTFL games winning two premierships, 25 representative games and has proven a much respected captain at both club level and for the 2019 NT Thunder side.

In addition to coaching the Thunder Academy she coached youth girl’s sides at Southern Districts citing father Russell Jeffrey as her inspiration.

“I watched him coach for a number of years growing up, listening to his passion and the way he would draw the best qualities in people. It was always so inspiring” Jeffrey said.

“If you’re interested in coaching, just give it a go. It’s not just about the game, it’s about giving people the transferrable skills to be more successful in life.”