AFL Players’ BBQ

This new event was designed to provide players with an informal environment, away from the footy field, where they can catch up over a meal, drink and a laugh before they clash in opposing colours when the siren sounds.

AFL Players’ Association Director Matthew Pavlich flew over for the event and said it was a great opportunity for players to unite as a collective group before the season commenced.

“I think it’s a great idea and it gives us a chance to catch up with our colleagues before the season starts,” Pavlich said.

“We go out to battle for our clubs during the year, but off the field we’re good mates. This BBQ is a great chance to have a chat with the boys about issues facing the playing group and hear their opinions so we are all on the same page.

“It also gives our Association an opportunity to update us on their progress with matters like the CBA and allows us to raise any other issues we want assistance with.”

The event was attended by club captains, members of club leadership groups, Association Directors and Delegates and members of the media.

Names like Ablett, Pavlich, Brown, Watson and Ball were among those who joined fifty of the most influential members of the AFL media ranks to enjoy a mixture of sausages, shish kebabs, salads and drinks and discuss the all important season ahead.

AFL Players’ Association Public Affairs Manager Ben Hart explained that the informal nature of the BBQ had allowed for open discussions and was an important step in improving the relationship between AFL players and the media.

“It’s about both sides getting a better understanding of where the other is coming from. The best way to do this is by building a relationship based around respect. Giving the media the opportunity to chat with these stars in an informal ‘off the record’ environment was certainly a step in the right direction,’ Hart said.

The Association’s Vice President Luke Ball addressed the crowd prior to dinner and spoke about the playing group’s desire for a ‘fair deal’ during the negotiations for the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“What we are looking for is a result which reflects the value players bring to the game,” said Ball.

“We are thrilled that the game has experienced so much growth and we all agree that the AFL is doing a great job promoting the game. What we want is recognition for our role in this growth and a share of the revenue which players have helped generate by putting on a spectacle each week which drives fans through the gate.

“When you look at the stars that are in this room it is pretty clear that these are the men that fans come to see, so I think we all agree they deserve their share.”

AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis said the concept was a great chance for the players to talk to the media without the pressures of cameras and microphones.

“It’s good for players to see that the media are just normal people and vice versa.” Finnis said.

“We often speak to the media on behalf of players, but it’s nice for players to speak for themselves and be able to provide their views on issues which relate to them like the CBA or changes to the interchange rule.

“Since the event we’ve received great feedback and I’d like to thank all those who attended. It was something new for us and thanks to the support of our members it was definitely a success, so I can confirm that we will definitely be looking to make this a fixture on the AFL calendar and ensure it will be even bigger and better next year.”