Former Carlton player Ian Prendergast has embarked on perhaps the most challenging and yet rewarding part of his career in footy.

‘Prenda’ has taken the first steps in the bold plan to create an SANFL Players’ Association.

The twenty seven year old, who played 65 games with the Blues over 2001 to 2006, now works as a lawyer with Adelaide firm Griffin Hilditch Lawyers and plays with SANFL club South Adelaide, spoke with www.aflpa.com.au about his efforts to create and SANFL Players’ Association.

How are you going with your efforts in setting up the SANFL Players’ Association?

We are getting there! We have come a long way in a relatively short amount of time in terms of developing an Association for the players of the SANFL.

Whilst we have faced difficulties in relation to the time that we are able to dedicate to the pursuit of establishing the Association it is worth noting that the concept has received overwhelming support from the players of the SANFL and is therefore worthwhile pursuing further.

What made you decide to start organising the SANFLPA?

Because of my involvement as a delegate on the AFLPA during my time playing for Carlton I am aware of the benefits that flow from adopting a collaborative approach. On moving across from Melbourne to play for South Adelaide in the SANFL and work as a lawyer with Griffin Hilditch Lawyers I realised the true strength, passion and potential of the SANFL competition.

I discussed the possibility of developing an Association with a number of past and present players of the SANFL and it was generally agreed that by working collectively it would not only benefit the players of the SANFL but all stakeholders of the South Australian football. Fortunately enough my employer, who is a big supporter of the SANFL, has allow me to spend some time at work establishing the Association.

What are some of the main issues facing SANFL players?

The major issues facing the players within the SANFL is the constant battle to balance their commitment to playing SANFL football, which is quickly becoming almost semi-professional in its approach to preparing for games, with working or studying full time.

As a result of the increasing commitment that is expected from the respective SANFL clubs and the pressures associated with playing football at such a high standard for relatively little financial reward there is an ongoing battle to retain quality players within the league. The numbers of players who are unfortunately choosing to play elsewhere for better money or because of lifestyle demands seems to be increasing at the detriment of the league.

What are some of the goals of the Association?

The Association is keen to work in conjunction with the league and the clubs to work on balancing the competing interests of its members mentioned above to ensure they are encouraged to continue playing in the SANFL whilst providing its members with a collective voice in relation to different issues that affect them from time to time.