09. NEXT STEPS
Our pursuit to provide the best possible services and support to our members both present and past is the driving force behind everything we do. We will continue to work with the AFL and AFL Clubs to ensure our game attracts the best possible talent from around the world to play AFL due to all the benefits they will receive during and after their careers. There is no doubt the growth and expansion of the AFL has led to significant improvements in all areas of football, designed to maximise the on-field competitiveness of clubs. However, there is a growing trend of clubs recognising the link that bolstering off-field player development resources can actually have an on-field performance dividend. High performing clubs understand that investing in the behavioural, emotional and broader career aspirations of their players is creating a longer-lasting effect on good performance as opposed to the more traditional methods of conditioning an athlete. The trend suggests that the more you invest with a player in his life outside of his football circle, the more he is likely to perform at a higher level. Literacy and Numeracy There has been significant investment by the AFL Players’ Association in this area over the last three years. Our view is that players in our system who may be lacking the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that many of us may take for granted are not being given the opportunity to maximise their AFL careers. Other studies suggest that certain behavioural issues may be identified through good literacy and numeracy screening, leading to appropriate support programs established early in a player’s career. In 2012 the AFL Players’ Association will continue to invest strongly in this area for the benefit of players to ensure growth in the areas of accountability and structure, including the addition of both pre and post test diagnostics. Research will also be developed in 2012 to further investigate and invest in the areas of literacy and numeracy to ensure the Players’ Association continues to achieve best practice for its members.
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NEXT STEPS
Professional Development Increased professionalism and greater time demands on AFL players requires dedicated blocks of time in the weekly schedules of clubs allowing players to pursue educational, vocational and business interests.
There is no doubt the growth and expansion of the AFL has led to significant improvements in all areas of football. The AFL Players’ Association aims to assist every player in building a second career plan through work placement, study or a professional trade. This will be a priority area of focus in 2012. Out Placement Services In 2012, the AFL Players’ Association is expanding on our Career Transition support services. We are currently in discussion with a number of service providers, who offer a
tailored transition recruitment service for all AFL players exiting the system. This service will be complemented by a re-vamped CV and job preparation offering ensuring each player has taken the opportunity to maximise their job prospects upon retirement. Expanded Wellbeing Services With the success of our 2011 Wellbeing program for all new draftees, 2012 will see the introduction of further Wellbeing education for our newest players, as well as middle tier and players who are coming toward the end of their careers. Each Wellbeing offering will tailored to the changing personal needs of AFL Players as they progress and mature as professional athletes. The existing Wellbeing program will be further enhanced with the implementation of a mindfulness program for third–fourth year players. Data collected by the AFL Players’ Association indicates that stress, anxiety, and relationship issues hinder optimal on field performance and the suite of wellbeing services, underpinned by qualitative and quantitative data will continue to address these issues. Next year promises to bring with it significant changes as we move to an expanded 18 team competition and approximately 850 AFL players. Our goal is to continue to push the boundaries of innovation and quality when it comes to ensuring every AFL player has the same opportunity to maximise their chance of success with their AFL dream.
Nick Dal Santo, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna and Matthew Pavlich at this year’s Player BBQ.