Essendon Football Club key forward Scott Lucas gives aflpa.com.au an insight into his University studies via Open Universities Australia.

What are you studying with Open Universities Australia?

Bachelor of Commerce

How long have you been studying?

4 years

How do you plan to utilise your study in the future?

Completing a degree will increase the opportunities I have of being involved in the administration side of football, which I would like to do when I retire from the game.

Why is study important to you?

To broaden and increase my knowledge to assist me in obtaining employment upon my retirement from football.

Is it hard to juggle your AFL commitments with study?

It can be, but the flexibility of studying on line allows me to study in my own time.

What keeps you motivated to keep studying?

I believe that obtaining a degree will give me a better opportunity of gaining employment upon my retirement.

Do you think study helps you maintain a good life balance?

Yes it gives me an outlet and something completely different from the day to day stresses on football.

How did it feel when you were first drafted to play senior AFL football?

I always aspired to play AFL so I was very excited but also knew there was a lot of hard work ahead.

What are your memories of your first AFL game?

It was ANZAC day 1996 a huge crowd, fantastic atmosphere but unfortunately we lost!