Footy’s new blood gathers for induction into AFL

First-time AFL draftees have travelled to the home of football AFL system by their representative body, the AFL Players’ Association.

The Induction Camp gives the 126 participants guidance and information journey as an AFL player including life skills, decision making, diversity in the AFL, respect and responsibility, illicit drugs and gambling.

General Manager – Player Development, Steve Alessio AFLPA’s comprehensive program of support and education that will continue throughout the players’ careers and beyond.

“This Association was created by players, and it exists for players,” said Alessio.

“As the newest AFL Player proud tradition of all players other as colleagues.”

Alessio said that the maturity and life skills of draftees seemed to increase every year.

“When they come to us, they’ve already demonstrated that they have the discipline and values to be identified as one of the best," said Alessio.

“But we also have to remember that they are all still about to step into a world that features a range of challenges for someone just reaching adulthood.”

The Induction Camp features sessions led by current and former AFL stars including Nick Maxwell, Scott Lucas, Nathan Thompson, Scott West, Majak Daw, Bachar Houli and Aaron Davey.

Other sessions include current Tiger Mitch Morton and former Bomber Mark Bolton educating players about the players’ youth homelessness charity the CEO and Morton mentors some of the young clients.

Former player Mark Eustice, who has battled drug and alcohol addiction since leaving the game, will paint a sobering picture of how a seemingly glamorous lifestyle can turn sour.

Alessio said the AFLPA took seriously its role in inducting the new draftees into the AFL system.

“The AFL Players’ Association is full of people who understand what it means to be in these kids’ shoes,” Alessio said.

“The footballers who now work here, including Scott Lucas, Ian Prendergast, Cory McGrath and Brett Johnson have, combined, played 667 games of AFL football.

“We know about the pressures and pitfalls of life as an AFL player and so are ideally placed to provide support, information and advice.”