Local talent take part in AFL Players Induction

Image courtesy of AFL Players Media.

 

The annual AFL Players’ Association AFL Induction Camp was run in Melbourne this week with, over 100 of the new draftees in attendance.

AFL NSW/ACT draftees, Jarrod Brander (West Coast), Charlie Spargo (Melbourne), Doulton Langlands (St Kilda), James Bell, Jake Brown (Sydney Swans), Nick Shipley and Jack Buckley (GWS GIANTS), traveled with their teammates to learn about their new football lives -away from the field.

The players took part in interactive sessions with AFLPA staff, learning about the comprehensive support, education programs and resources available to them throughout their AFL lifespan.

These sessions covered such topics as career development, financial literacy, AFL Players Care and Wellbeing, as well as player rights and advocacy. The two-day induction also included education on the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy, match-fixing, gambling and anti-doping.

Sydney Swans recruit, Coffs Harbour’s Jake Brown said it was also a good chance to catch up with the other draftees.

“It was good to get to know all the other boys, especially the ones I already knew, and who have moved interstate.

“It has been a bit different to what I expected, which was good. It was a little less formal [than expected], and a bit more social, which I enjoyed.

“The biggest thing I learned is the amount of rules you have to keep in mind in day-to-day activity, and how they can really effect your career.”

GWS GIANTS Draft Pick #64, Nick Shipley said the induction assisted with learning how the players should conduct themselves off the field.

“It helped by learning to be a better footy player on and off the field, to be a better role model to other kids wanting to play footy,” said Shipley.

“It was interesting to learn the dangers of doping and illicit drugs too.”

AFL Players’ Association General Manager of Player Development, Brett Johnson said the camp provides an opportunity for all draftees to learn about the wide range of first-class programs, services and benefits available to them through their AFLPA membership.

“The key focus of this camp is to ensure the players understand what the AFLPA has to offer them during and after their AFL careers and how these programs and services can help them maximise their time in the game both on and off the field,” he said.

“With the average AFL career being just over six years, we encourage the draftees to jump right into their off-field development to ensure they’re prepared and equipped for what a career after football might look like.”

The AFL Players’ Association is the representative body for male and female AFL players.

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