Sydney Swans first year players have embarked on a two-day induction camp in Melbourne alongside draftees from across the country.
The camp held at Etihad Stadium will see draftees briefed on a number of important issues they will face throughout their career at the top level.
125 new players from across all 18 clubs were on hand for the annual AFL Players’ Associaion/AFL Induction Camp on Monday.
Wellbeing, career development, financial education and person brand were all key topics covered throughout the first day.
Gambling awareness, the anti-doping code and illicit drugs policy were also on the agenda over the next two days.
On Monday the draftees heard first-hand what it takes to build a successful AFL career, with current and former players sharing their experience and knowledge with the young group.
Recently-retired Kangaroo and Saint Nick Dal Santo hosted the day’s proceedings and Geelong great Jimmy Bartel addressed the group as the keynote speaker, while St Kilda’s Jade Gresham, former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown and former Lion and Bomber James Polkinghorne featured in a panel discussion.
Oliver Florent, Will Hayward, Darcy Cameron, Jack Maibaum, Ben Ronke, Robbie Fox, Sam Fisher and Toby Pink will all be in attendance representing the Swans.
AFLPA General Manager of Player Development Brett Johnson said a key focus of the camp was to ensure the draftees understand the importance of maximising their AFL careers and the opportunities it provides both on and off the field.
“The AFLPA provides a range of first-class programs, services and benefits to all members during and after their football careers – whether that be education and training assistance, wellbeing support or financial advice,” he said.
“It’s important for the draftees to understand that foundations for post-football careers need to start being laid from the minute they are drafted into the system. The average AFL career is only six years so it’s crucial that we’re always looking towards the bigger picture.”
The players will return to Sydney on Wednesday when they re-join their teammates in pre-season training.
