Sydney Swans AFLW player Rebecca Privitelli recently achieved a significant personal milestone by graduating as a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). At 27, the Sydney Swans' Center Half Forward fulfilled her long-time aspiration to contribute actively to the community and protect valuable assets.
Rebecca is now among 227 new firefighters who have joined the organization, which has a rich history spanning 112 years. This transition was marked by a Graduation ceremony at the Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills, located in Sydney's west.
Swans Leadership Group
Having participated in the first season of AFLW with the Sydney Swans, Rebecca, who previously played for Carlton and the Greater Western Sydney Giants, has transitioned smoothly into her firefighting career.
As part of the Swans Leadership group, Rebecca is keen to make a mark in her new role. "I think with Fire and Rescue...I feel like it's a role where I can have a real impact in my community, and I was really excited by the opportunity when it came up," she expressed. The camaraderie and support she experienced at her Lakemba station have contributed positively to her new journey. "Incredible, I've got an awesome station and a really great crew," she remarked.
Beneficial Fitness Base
Rebecca noted that her athletic background provided a beneficial fitness base for her training at the Academy. However, she acknowledged that the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) was a different challenge compared to her AFL exercises.
"I've been at that (fitness) level for a little while, so I've been able to get some consistent training in, mind you, the 'PAT' is a very different test, compared to what I'm probably used to with AFL," she mentioned.
Embracing Station Life
Adapting to the new demands, Rebecca found the academic aspects of the Academy challenging, though the hands-on training balanced it well. "As someone who's quite a hands-on person, the study was probably the more challenging part for me, but the Academy was set-up in such a good way that it actually made it really easy to learn the theory-based component," she said.
Her passion for Australian Rules football is also apparent as she playfully influences her Rugby League-loving crew to appreciate AFL. "I definitely came in and made sure AFL was on the tv...they've been really great," she shared.
Support from the Swans
The Sydney Swans have shown great support for Rebecca's dedication to her role at FRNSW, attending her games and endorsing her dual commitments. "They've been along to a few of my games, and they've just been so supportive...they bring their kids along," she commented.
Balancing both roles, Rebecca manages to allocate time for team training and her duties with FRNSW, finding immense joy in this equilibrium. "I've had plenty of experience being in a team, and it's something that I really value and love," she explained, noting the fulfillment she derives from being part of the firefighting team and making a positive impact.
Sydney Swans AFLW star, Rebecca Privitelli, has graduated as a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), fulfilling a long-time goal to serve the community and protect the irreplaceable.
The 27-year-old Center Half Forward is one of 227 new Permanent and On-Call (Retained) firefighters who have qualified to join the ranks of the 112-year-old organization, honored during a Graduation ceremony at the Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills in Sydney’s west.
Swans Leadership Group
Rebecca joined the Sydney Swans AFLW side for its first season this year after stints with Carlton
Rebecca joined the Sydney Swans AFLW side for its first season this year after stints with Carlton and the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
A member of the Swans Leadership group, Rebecca hopes she can also excel at her new-found firefighting career. She’s already finding a purpose.
Real impact in community
“I think with Fire and Rescue…I feel like it’s a role where I can have a real impact in my community and I was really excited by the opportunity when it came up,” Rebecca said.
“(It’s been) incredible, I’ve got an awesome station (Lakemba) and a really great crew, so I’ve landed on my feet there and they’ve just been super supportive, introducing me to the role…it’s been really great…I’m loving it.”
Good fitness base
Rebecca found it beneficial to have a good fitness base when she entered the Academy
As an AFLW player, Rebecca found it beneficial to have a good fitness base when she entered the Academy, but was quick to point out that the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) required extra work.
“I’ve been at that (fitness) level for a little while, so I’ve been able to get some consistent training in, mind you, the ‘PAT’ is a very different test, compared to what I’m probably used to with AFL, but I probably had a good baseline coming into it…it’s still hard but it was a good one.”
Rugby League-loving crew
“As someone who’s quite a hands-on person, the study was probably the more challenging part for me but the Academy was set-up in such a good way that it actually made it really easy to learn the theory-based component and we actually did a lot of practical as well.”
Rebecca is loving ‘station life’ and has begun a slow campaign to convert her Rugby League-loving crew to Australian Rules football.
Commitment to FRNSW
Rebecca is grateful to the Swans who are very supportive of her commitment to FRNSW
“They’ve been along to a few of my games and they’ve just been so supportive…they bring their kids along. I definitely came in and made sure AFL was on the tv and it wasn’t league anymore, they’ve been really great.”
Rebecca is grateful to the Swans who are very supportive of her commitment to FRNSW.
Fire and Rescue training
“They know that my priority is Fire and Rescue but I do get a lot of time in my week to make up for any missed training which is really great as well, so it’s a perfect balance for me and I’m really enjoying that."
“I’ve had plenty of experience being in a team and it’s something that I really value and love…that’s why being in the ‘firies’ was such a good role for me, I love being around people and I love being part of a team that can make a difference.”
