VU Block Model gives study a sporting chance

As the remaining inaugural player of the AFLW Bulldogs team, VU student Ellie Blackburn knows all about the long game. The Vice-Captain is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, and while she’s not planning on retiring anytime soon, she is giving thought to life after sport.  

“My course is eight-months long and so far, it’s been great. Maintaining the right balance between study and football is important, but my course is online, which means I can play footy and study at the same time.”  

Before Ellie began her studies at VU, the elite sportswoman spent five years as a Learning and Development Manager at the Pancake Parlour. “It’s always been important for me to develop skills, on and off the field. Whether it’s working or studying, building knowledge is never a waste of time.”  

Recently Ellie was inducted into the Western Bulldogs’ Hall of Fame as one of the 25 Greatest Bulldogs as part of the club’s historic centenary celebrations. The accolade acknowledges the star players’ commitment to outstanding leadership and recognises her five Club Best and Fairest awards.   

Ellie says that juggling study and footy is not without its challenges but says she’s been fortunate enough to have a club and a university to help support her personal and professional goals.  

“I love footy, but I’ve given my post-footy career a lot of thought. I don’t know exactly what area of business I want to focus on, but I am excited about what might come next. Hopefully I have a few more years left to play footy.”  

The Western Bulldogs calls her a “versatile tall”, but to her classmates, Kaylee Kimber is better known as a nursing student who is currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing degree.  Kaylee has nearly finished her first year of study, and this is her second year playing for the Bulldogs.   

“Nursing is great but obviously it can be a little bit difficult to juggle study and sport, especially with placements. Fortunately, VU and the club have worked together to make sure I have some flexibility.”   

Teammate Analea McKee is in her third year studying a Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science. “In my first year at uni I got selected by the Brisbane Lions, so I put study on pause and made the move, but then I got traded in 2023, so I packed everything up and came back to Melbourne.”  

Analea has since returned to her studies and said the VU Block Model helped with the transition. “It just makes study a lot easier, and both the club and VU have really supported my goals.” ‘The Mighty McKee’ is set to graduate next year but has plans to become a life-long learner. “I’ve already started thinking about doing my Masters.”