Development and Wellbeing

As an AFL Player it’s great to know that we have a Player Development Program that is a leader in Australian sport. It provides all the off-field development and wellbeing support we need during our career. Our Association always has the players' best interests at the forefront of its daily responsibilities.

In 1999, the Player Development Program was born and over the last 11 years has grown into a sophisticated suite of programs, services and support that helps us achieve our goals both on and off the field.

It makes our life as a professional footballer that much easier knowing that we can combine both our football and post career aspirations through the support our Association provides.

It’s great that every player that is drafted is tested for their Literacy and Numeracy level and then offered confidential tutoring support should they need it.

The Induction Camp we all attend in our first year in early January gives us a real insight into the rewards and pitfalls of an AFL footballer.

Throughout the year, we can access Education and Training grants which basically fund nearly all our TAFE or tertiary studies and there are plenty of workshops we can tap into from cooking through to property education.

If studying is not our preference then work placement, coaching programs or traditional apprenticeships are also available.

Another great support is a national network of psychologists who are independent of our clubs which we can access for confidential conversations.

The value we get from our Association is second to none, and it is best placed to understand our needs as an AFL player.