Sydney Swans defender Robbie Fox has won the AFLPA Education and Training Award for 2023. The award was announced as part of the 2023 AFL Player's Association Most Valuable Player Awards. This year the award had two winners with Fox sharing it with Darcy Fort from Brisbane.

The award goes to an AFL player(s) who has successfully combined their football commitments while also being engaged in education and training.

Throughout his football career, 30-year old Fox has shown a significant commitment to education and personal development in the area of education.

At the end of 2020, he completed a Bachelor of Education at Charles Sturt University and RMIT, a four-year undergraduate degree which he completed over eight years. Following his graduation from Charles Sturt University, he took it upon himself to commence a role at Paddington Primary School on his days off from training to maintain his teaching skills and broaden his network. He is now diligently completing his Master of Business Administration studies through Torrens University.

He has also completed Advanced Diploma of Business - The Management Edge and Diploma of Business through AFL Sportsready.

Fox said he felt incredibly privileged to receive the award.

"I am immensely thankful to the AFLPA and the Sydney Swans for selecting me as a recipient, and for the ongoing support and encouragement they have provided throughout my off-field education," Fox said.

"The club emphasises the value of education and personal growth, and I feel grateful to be part of an organisation that upholds these standards.
 
"I would like to thank Dennis Carrol (former General Manager- People Development), Phoebe Jagoe (Player Development Manager) and Brett Kirk (Head of Player Wellbeing and Development) and the club for providing avenues and opportunities for personal development. I would also like to thank Luisa and the wider staff at the AFLPA for providing on-going support and resources to assist with managing my off-field workload. Finally, thank you to Shirl Kean (Torrens University) and Kate Staniforth (Charles Sturt University) for your support throughout my studies."

Fox is also regularly involved in community initiatives which further reflects his commitment to education and personal growth. He has been an active ambassador with Swans charity partner, the Black Dog Institute, participating in live presentations to school students on his own journey and helping create awareness about mental health. He has also participated in the MS Gong ride in 2018 to raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis.