Maximising opportunities during their AFL careers was a key theme as the AFL Draft class of 122 new players were inducted by the AFL Players’ Association at Etihad Stadium – with financial education and personal brand two big-ticket items.
Commencing on Monday, and held over two days, the AFL Players’/AFL Induction Camp sees all first time AFL draftees come together as a cohort to be formally welcomed by their representative body, and briefed on a host of topics.
A Bulldogs contingent of seven - Toby McLean, Lukas Webb, Declan Hamilton, Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, Zaine Cordy and Roarke Smith – are in attendance at the camp that continues today.
Sessions on the importance of wellbeing, career development, respectful relationships, illicit drugs and match fixing, anti-doping as well as an introduction to the AFL Players’ charity, Ladder - which helps tackle the issue of youth homelessness – are all on the agenda.
AFLPA general manager of player development, Brett Johnson, was amongst the official delegation on hand at Etihad Stadium to welcome the new draft intake, and said that empowerment was a common theme across all sessions to feature on the two-day camp program.
"I think we used to talk to a lot of players about what they can't do, whereas now we really want to empower players and get them to understand the opportunities that an AFL career provides are exceptional, and to make the most of that," Johnson said.
"(Research) suggests that if you get that part of your life right it will help you on the field as well."
Speaking to the draftees, AFLPA President, Luke Ball, said that the PA was there to assist and offer support to all players throughout their careers, and encouraged them to contact the AFLPA should they face issues of any nature during their time in the game.
"Not just on that front, but on any front," Ball said.
"That's a lot of what today's about, taking control of your career and your profession.
"So whether it be that or any other issue, if you have an issue make sure you pick up the phone and call the PA."
