AFLW 2023: Melbourne ruck Lauren Pearce dives into the improv classes that helped deliver a flag
Improv comedy was a weapon in helping the Demons to the flag last year and has again been part of the finals build-up. Here how it helps on field.
There is no blue door to burst through but a series of improvisation classes in the vein of Thank God You’re Here are helping Melbourne’s quest for back-to-back AFLW flags.
The Dees began doing the improv sessions last season on their way to the premiership, with players thrust into uncomfortable situations and forced to find a way out.
Most of the scenarios devolve into comedy and some force Demons players to make mistakes and solve problems, teaching them how to deal with errors on the field.
Melbourne held its latest session on Thursday, days before Sunday’s qualifying final against North Melbourne, and ruck Lauren Pearce said the improv had helped resolve on-field problems.
“I have found it really good and it has helped me connect to a lot more teammates and I am not afraid to make a mistake in the group because I know it is fine and that is going to happen so we just work together to do the next thing,” she said.
“We started it up last season and found it to be really helpful so we carried it on this season. It is all really funny in the end but there is some stuff that puts you our of your comfort zone that are actually quite complicated and it is forcing you to make a mistake and forcing you to move on.
“Then there are also things that create a bit of energy … if we are lacking energy on a game day sometimes it just brings everyone out because we remember the times we were with (the improv teacher) and it just changes the mindset completely.”
The Demons made a number of changes for Sunday’s final, with Aimee Mackin pegged to replace Casey Sherriff (broken arm) at half-forward and star midfielder Paxy Paxman returning after a tight hamstring kept her out of round 10.
Pearce said Paxman would be ready to go after she was withdrawn following he warm-up last weekend.
“She is raring to go and a bit upset she had to miss out on last weekend but she is hoping to get out there,” Pearce said.
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