The AFL Players’ Association is pleased to announce the names of the fifteen young footballers to receive a Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship for 2009.

Young Victorian footballer Trent McKenzie accepted his scholarship from Fremantle Captain Matthew Pavlich on behalf of all fifteen scholarship recipients at the 2008 AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player Awards.

Since 2001, the AFL Players’ Association has awarded scholarships to assist young footballer’s aged between 15 & 17 in their education & training whilst they aspire to an AFL career.

The fifteen promising young footballers to receive a Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship, include:

2009 Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship Recipients

Trent McKenzie Williamstown Juniors / Western Jets Football Club (VIC)

Mitchell Hallahan Sorrento Juniors / Dandenong Stingrays Football Club (VIC)

Koby Stevens Lucknow / Gippsland Power Football Club (VIC)

Mitchell Golby Kilcunda Bass Football Club (VIC)

Daniel Semmens Cobden Football Netball Club (VIC)

Hayden Jolly Glenelg Football Club (SA)

Timothy Milera Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club (SA)

Scott Lycett Thevenard / Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club (SA)

Jamie Solly North Pines / Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club (SA)

Dylan Ribbons West Adelaide Football Club (SA)

Jack Guy South Adelaide Football Club (SA)

Darcy Armfield Glenelg Football Club (SA)

Aaron Tuxworth Smithton Football Club (TAS)

Kaine Stevens Queanbeyan Tigers Football Club (ACT)

Anthony Miles North Albury / AFL/NSW Rams Football Club (NSW)

ABOUT THE MIKE FITZPATRICK SCHOLARSHIPS

Named after Carlton premiership Captain, businessman and AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, the scholarships recognise Mike's outstanding efforts in combining football & academic excellence.

Since 2001, around $400,000 has been distributed to 88 young players to support their dual academic and football aspirations. Around 50% of scholarship recipients have gone on to be drafted by an AFL club.

The scholarship program has been developed as part of the AFLPA’s ‘Player Development’ services and reinforces the association's commitment to the education and welfare of future AFL players.

Previous Mike Fitzpatrick scholarship recipients include;
Jimmy Bartel (Geelong); Xavier Clarke (St Kilda); Raph Clarke (St Kilda); Byron Schammer (Fremantle); Beau Waters (West Coast); Ryan Griffin (Western Bulldogs); Cameron Wood (Brisbane); Lance Franklin (Hawthorn); Patrick Ryder (Essendon); Wayde Mills (Brisbane); Marcus Drum (Fremantle); Bachar Houli (Essendon); Leroy Jetta (Essendon); Travis Varcoe (Geelong); Albert Proud (Brisbane) & Joel Selwood (Geelong).