How AFLW’s Prespakis sisters inspire one another

They may be rivals on the footy field but talented AFLW siblings Maddy and Georgie Prespakis look to each other for their greatest inspiration.

AFLW superstar sisters Maddy and Georgie Prespakis have a special weapon in their football armouries — each other.

Maddy, 22, who plays for Essendon, and Georgie, 20, for Geelong, are each other’s biggest supporters as they ride the highs and lows of professional sport.

Georgie was drafted to the Cats in 2021, three years after Maddy was first drafted to play in the league, with Carlton.

“We grew up playing footy in the back yard, like so many families do, and of course it was always competitive and always ended in tears,” Georgie tells The House of Wellness.

“There’s no better feeling than sharing our journeys and experiences with one another, even though it’s at different teams.

“It’s so special we get to play AFL football, let alone share it with each other — that is something we both cherish very much.”

Maddy won three best and fairest awards with Carlton as a teenager before moving to Essendon as a marquee signing for the Bombers’ inaugural AFLW side.

When the league’s gala pivoted to a virtual event at the start of the pandemic, the sisters got to share a precious moment — Georgie presenting Maddy with a best and fairest medal.

Maddy says Georgie joining her in the league ranks has brought welcome perspective.

“I now enjoy watching Georgie play footy and am proud of her, which has taken my mind away from putting too much pressure on myself,” she says.

“When I’m watching and supporting Georgie, I’m present and I switch off.

“I think it’s helped me perform a little bit better, too, because after my game I forget about it because I go and watch Georgie play.

“We always give each other feedback and watch each other’s games.”

How the Prespakis sisters stay on top of their game

Filling their cups, mentally and physically, is important for the sisters, especially as they have busy training and playing schedules.

“A big thing I’ve learnt is (that) in order for me to be at my best, preparation and recovery is key,” Georgie, who is now in her third season of AFLW, says.

“I see a myotherapist in Melbourne and get a lot of treatment there, which I really love.

“I get a massage every so often and have a pair of recovery boots at home, so that’s another resource I use to look after my body.”

To shore up her mental health, Georgie sees a psychologist every so often.

“I’ve found that’s been very beneficial along my football journey,” she says.

For Maddy, putting her English staffy Bam Bam on his lead and hitting the pavement brings mental-health benefits.

“I absolutely love walking Bam Bam, whether it’s with friends and their dogs or putting my headphones in and going on a long walk by myself, putting my phone on ‘do not disturb’ in my pocket,” she says.

“And that helps me switch off. I’m not worried about what’s going on outside of that moment.”

Wellbeing tips from the Prespakis sisters

Drink plenty of water

“I love taking my Frank Green bottle with me and drinking from it all day.

“I’m obsessed with that bottle, so I feel like I’ve been drinking more water since I got it.” – Maddy.

Get enough sleep

“I tend to crash of an afternoon at 4pm and that’s the worst time because we’re starting training.

“A big thing for me is ensuring I’m not staying up late watching Netflix but getting enough sleep.” – Georgie.

Laugh with friends

“My friends and I go get a coffee and we’ll be there for a few hours and we laugh the whole time.

“It’s so nice and it’s refreshing to have people in your life like that.” – Maddy.

Wear sunscreen

“I’ve got on the sunscreen bandwagon, especially playing and training outside.” – Georgie.

Find a hobby

“I’ve started boxing. It’s so interesting; there’s so much to learn.

“I concentrate when I’m there.

“I’m not thinking about football because I need to focus on boxing.” – Maddy.

More inspirational female athletes:

• How AFLW star Richelle Cranston is tackling body image
• Girl Power: The AFLW stars smashing through barriers
• Jelena Dokic: I had to almost reinvent myself
• Champion runner Sinead Diver is a mum on a mission

Written by Megan Hustwaite.