Inform Magazine August Edition

AUGUST 2011

EDITION 61 / The official magazine of The AFL Players’ Association

Master and Apprentice:

Inside the program that coaches future coaches

FROM THE CEO

Association and our support of players in recent times.

We have seen players united in their condemnation of vilification within the sporting arena. We are in the process of launching a new anti-vilification campaign to ensure players, like every other person can expect a workplace free from vilification.

The campaign there is ‘Our team is made up of many colours. Wear them with pride, not prejudice’ and will appear in newspapers, magazines, on posters and websites across the country.

We have also just finalised nominations for the first-ever Indigenous Players Advisory Board. This board will provide a player voice to assist with the development of programs and support services as well as contributing to the overall goal of making AFL a better and more supportive workplace for Indigenous players in the future.

And on page 19 you’ll find a new section of the magazine – Alumni News – which aims to give our past player members information relevant to them.

Sports House Level 2, 375 Albert Road Albert Park Vic 3206 P. (03) 9926 1344 F. (03) 9926 1350 E. info@aflpa.com.au www.aflplayers.com.au Chief Executive Officer Matt Finnis mattfinnis@aflpa.com.au Office Manager / Executive Assistant Jo Rafferty joanne@aflpa.com.au Reception & Administration Natalie Holmes Natalie@aflpa.com.au General Manager – Player Relations Ian Prendergast ianprendergast@aflpa.com.au Legal Services Consultant Bernie Shinners bernie_shinners@aflpa.com.au Player Relations Coordinator Braden Stokes braden.stokes@aflpa.com.au General Manager – Finance & Administration John Hogan johnhogan@aflpa.com.au Indigenous & Financial Services Coordinator Cory McGrath corymcgrath@aflpa.com.au General Manager – Marketing & Commercial Christine Finnegan christine@aflpa.com.au

Yours, Matt Finnis

Commercial Relations Manager Leanne French leanne@aflpa.com.au Commercial Relations Executive Francee Holdsworth francee@aflpa.com.au

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CLUB DELEGATES

Luke Power (President).....................Brisbane

Adelaide.....................................Ben Rutten

Luke Ball (Vice President)..........Collingwood Adam Goodes........................................ Sydney Robert Murphy......................Western Bulldogs Matthew Pavlich................................ Fremantle Drew Petrie.............................North Melbourne Brad Sewell........................................ Hawthorn Adam Selwood................................West Coast Jason Blake..........................................St. Kilda Matt Finnis........ AFL Players’ Association CEO Simon Madden.......Past Player Representative

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s I drove home from the recent AFL Players meeting at Crown I reflected how players as a group have approached our current CBA negotiations, in a manner which reflects a strong underlying sense of our Association’s values; united, respectful, supportive and courageous.

Players are united in pursuing a good CBA outcome that benefits all players – not just a chosen few; courageous in advocating for their objectives, sometimes in the face of criticism from some quarters; supportive of teammates and colleagues across the playing group who are making sacrifices to get us closer to our goals; and remaining respectful of the game and the need to establish benefits which will be a legacy for the players who follow.

Our player representatives continue to provide support, feedback and direction which we hope will contribute to a successful resolution of negotiations.

Whilst there has been much attention on the CBA, there has been significant level of activity in a range of other aspects of the

AFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION Contacts

Brisbane...................................Brent Staker Carlton................................. Brock McLean Collingwood..........................Harry O’Brien Essendon.............................. Henry Slattery Fremantle................................ Paul Duffield Geelong..................................Jimmy Bartel Hawthorn................................... Xavier Ellis North Melbourne............. Andrew Swallow Melbourne......................Matthew Warnock Port Adelaide........................... Jay Schultz Richmond........................... Daniel Jackson St Kilda.............................. Leigh Montagna Sydney..................................... Jude Bolton Western Bulldogs.................... Will Minson West Coast............................... Brett Jones

Cover Picture: David Wheadon speaking at the Next Coach dinner with Brad Miller listening in the background.

Photo by Bruce Davis.

Public Affairs Manager Ben Hart benhart@aflpa.com.au Communications Officer Heath Evans heathevans@aflpa.com.au General Manager – Player Development Steve Alessio stevealessio@aflpa.com.au Player Development Regional Manager Brett Johnson brettjohnson@aflpa.com.au Player Development Regional Manager John Hinge johnhinge@aflpa.com.au Player Development Regional Manager Claire Mitchell-Taverner claire@aflpa.com.au Wellbeing Services Manager Matti Clements matti@aflpa.com.au Indigenous & Multicultural Manager Nadia Taib nadia@aflpa.com.au Player Development Administrator Jennifer Ashton Jennifer@aflpa.com.au

New website for AFL Players’ The AFL Players’ has launched a new website which brings the heart of the Association – The Players – to the forefront.

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fter months of planning, the Association has launched a new website which General Manager of Marketing & Commercial Christine Finnegan says much better represents the lives of AFL players.

“The work we have undertaken has reaffirmed the core essence of the Association. We were created ‘For Players.

By Players’,” Finnegan said.

“Our new website brings our members to the forefront and showcases the players, rather than focusing on the day-to-day corporate operations of our organisation.

“We believe this is what the public want.

We want to create content different to what is provided by clubs and the AFL and other footy sites.

“We will focus on providing insight into our members, not just as players but also as husbands, brothers, fathers and mates, providing fans with an opportunity to connect with our members as real people.

“Everyone knows that Shane Crawford was an amazing player, but how many know of the countless hours of community work he continues to do, or the Next Goal Placement he did with the Freedman Brothers. These stories have previously remained untold but through our new site we are hoping we can start to make fans aware of who these guys are when they are not on the field.”

AFL Players’ CEO Matt Finnis said the new website also served a very practical purpose with a future plan to introduce a new secure login component purely for members.

“We wanted the site to be more than just a site for fans, it also needed to serve the purposes of our members,” said Finnis.

“We are in the process of creating a secure login section tailored for each player and over time we want this to be a space where players can access relevant documents, forms and information that is customised to each individual.

“It will be basically like a separate website entirely for players.”

AFL Players’ Association General Manager Steve Alessio said the website had the potential to assist his team in regards to processing forms and communicating important information with players.

“We want to make it easier for players to find information on what programs we offer and over time we will provide the ability to apply online which is something we have never been able to do before,” Alessio said.

“The Players’ have focussed on increasing our presence in the digital space and this is the next step. We know members are becoming more savvy online and many are starting to grow their personal brands so we want to make sure we are leading the way in this space.

“Our new website brings our

members to the forefront and showcases the players.”

“There are currently over 200 past and present players on Twitter and many have Facebook pages and even their own websites so we will use this site to also help promote what these guys are doing online.”

AFL Players’ Association General Manager Player Relations Ian Prendergast said the site would also assist player agents who look after the interests of our members.

“We are the best source of information for Accredited Agents. It is important that agents have a central hub where they can access information and we are aiming to fill that,” said Prendergast.

“As we move forward this site will start to really assist us with our day to day work and be much better to communicate our messages to the public.”

The new website can be found at www.aflplayers.com.au

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

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FL players showed their support to the families of deceased and wounded Australian soldiers by donating 17 jumpers – signed by stars such as Gary Ablett Jr, Adam Goodes, Matthew Pavlich and Nick Riewoldt – to be raffled on Anzac Day in Afghanistan.

Each team jumper was signed by the club captain (except Brisbane Skipper Jonathan Brown, who was in hospital at the time) and contained a message of support for the Australian Mentoring Task Force 2 (MTF-2), based in Uruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan.

Each jumper was raffled, with half the proceeds going to Legacy and half going to the MTF-2 Benevolent Fund, which directly supports the families of soldiers from the Task Force who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Lieutenant Colonel Huxley wrote to the Players’ Association to thank them for their support.

“Due to the generous donation of team jerseys the ANZAC Day raffle was extremely successful raising over $17,000,” wrote Huxley.

“On behalf of the soldiers of the Mentoring Task Force Two, I would like to thank you for your assistance and support.”

AFL Players’ Association President Luke Power said that with MTF-2 losing two members this year – Corporal Richard Atkinson and Sapper Jamie Larcombe – it was important for the players to do what they can to provide some extra support for their families.

“Our Australian troops in Afghanistan had a pretty rough start to the year and the families of those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve whatever help we can give,” said Power.

“It’s not a big thing to sign a jumper and send it over but we’re told it has been a great morale-booster for all the AFL fans in MTF-2 and the money raised will be put to good use.”

Lieutenant Colonel Darren Huxley, Commanding Officer 2nd Mentoring Task Force, welcomed the initiative.

“I would personally like to thank the AFL Players’ Association for their generosity and support to the soldiers,” said Lieutenant Colonel Huxley.

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Heath Black leads August Workshops

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ormer AFL player Heath Black has been telling his story throughout our August workshops which were held at every club.

The objectives of these sessions are to facilitate discussion around the strategies players will employ in the offseason (particularly around alcohol consumption) and then use Heath’s example to highlight why planning is so important.

Heath spoke about his experiences dealing with a mental health issue which ultimately resulted in a relationship breakdown and termination of employment.

For much of his playing career, Heath hid his issues from teammates, choosing to self-medicate with alcohol. His lowest ebb was when he was caught for drink driving

in 2009, but said a night in Phuket was his most extreme behaviour.

It was his last end-of-season trip as an AFL player and Black said that he intended “to totally destroy myself in every capacity.”

Since seeking support for his depression, Heath’s life has turned around and his simple message is “we tend to hide these things, but come out to your peers, you feel a hell of a lot better.”

Arrivals

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ongratulations to the following current players: Mark McVeigh and wife Leanne had a baby girl, Ariana, in March; Graham Johncock and partner Jade had a baby girl, Neveah, in July; Justin Koschitzke and his partner Alicia had a son, Jack, in April; Lynden Dunn and Leah West had a baby boy, Emmett, in February; Heath Scotland and wife Alisha had a son, Tyler John Scotland, in February; Scott McMahon and wife Desiree welcomed a baby girl, Jayda, in June; Chris Judd and wife Rebecca welcomed Oscar Dylan into the world; Matti Clements from the PA and husband Shane had twins, Macie and Harley, in July; Rayden Tallis and wife Eloise had a boy, Samuel in April.

Property Course

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he AFL Players’ Association and Armstrong Property Planning have joined forces to develop the Property Investment Course for 2011.

This course has been designed to give you a clear understanding of the property market and help you make the right investment decisions.

The course is delivered by Mark Armstrong who has 20 years experience in the property market in areas such as property development, investment and finance advice and buying property. It is run in a practical way and encourages open group discussions.

If you are interested speak to the player development manager at your club to enrol.

Indigenous Player Advisory Board Election

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he AFL Players’ Association has announced the members who will sit on Australian sport’s first-ever Indigenous Players Advisory Board.

With 14 nominations lodged, a national election took place recently to select the eight inaugural members. They are Adam Goodes, Xavier Clarke, Graham Johncock, Roger Hayden, Aaron Davey, Chance Bateman, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Shaun Burgoyne.

The Indigenous Advisory Board has been introduced to provide guidance to the Players’ Association on the development and implementation of programs and support services available to Indigenous Players throughout their AFL career.

The AFL Players’ Association’s Indigenous and Multicultural Manager, Nadia Taib, said the Board would be working to further boost the way in which Indigenous players are valued in the AFL. “Elected members of the Advisory Board will use their wealth of experience and knowledge to seek feedback from their peers and to influence change for all Indigenous Players,” said Taib.

Hawthorn’s Shaun Burgoyne said the Board would meet regularly with the other representatives to discuss issues unique to players of Indigenous background.

“The number of Indigenous Players on club lists is continuing to grow and it’s important that each player has an avenue to put their views forward,” said Burgoyne.

“As a group we’re really looking forward to providing recommendations for the AFL Players’ Association, as well as discussing any issues that affect specific Indigenous Players.”

The Liam Jurrah Story

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nown as the ‘Warlpiri Warrior’, the ‘Jurrahcane’ and ‘Cougar’, Liam Jurrah is a rising star of the AFL. The Liam Jurrah Story, written by the man whose family provided a home for Liam when he first moved to Melbourne, tells of the incredible journey travelled by the Warlpiri man, from the remote aboriginal desert community of Yuendumu to the MCG, as the first fully initiated Aboriginal to player football at an elite level.

Published by Victory Books, the Liam Jurrah Story will be available at all good bookstores from August 1.

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Social Media Workshops

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e have provided an updated Digital Media Presentation at the Richmond and Western Bulldog Football Clubs which covers Facebook security, online privacy and basic social media training and is available to all clubs upon request.

With over 200 current and past players on Twitter and many with their own Facebook page it is important our members know how to protect themselves in the ever evolving space.

Our Public Affairs Manager, Ben Hart also presented at the 2011 Digital Media Summit in Melbourne on how players can use digital media for advocacy.

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Players donate jumpers to troops

Business Short Course

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aniele Lima from Road Scholars (Business Training & Strategic Consulting) has been delivering a new one day Business Short Course at Carlton & Richmond Football Clubs.

This is available to all clubs with the cost covered by the Education and Training Grants.

It is a great course for players who are considering starting a new business because it equips them with the basic knowledge, pros, cons and skills required to start a new solid business structure.

New arrivals at the PA

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e have welcomed Francee Holdsworth to a new position as Commercial Relations Executive.

Francee joins our Marketing and Commercial department and will be working across licensing, sponsorship and all member events.

She joins the association after serving as the Membership Manager at the Melbourne Storm overseeing their membership acquisition and servicing including responsibility for coordinating all member events.

We have also welcomed John Hinge who will take over the role of Player Development Regional Manager from Scott Lucas.

Since finishing his AFL career with the Adelaide Crows he has worked with HenderCare, which is a nursing and support services agency, and also Centacare Catholic Family Services as a case manager.

His work has been in the area of homelessness and at risk youth where he has been involved with providing training and intervention services for young people in need.

John has also continued to play SANFL footy recently crossing from Glenelg to Sturt.

His new role will involve providing career education and transition support to all AFL Players with the Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, West Coast, Collingwood and Essendon football clubs.

John will be based out of AFL SportsReady’s Henley Beach office which is the first time we have had a full-time employee interstate.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

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OBITUARY

A legend of our game Bob Davis was a true footy character who will be sadly missed according to the man who now wears his famous number 4 jumper.

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rior to the 2007 Grand Final, Andrew Mackie joined Bob Davis at his house to take part in what he believed was a short interview with the pair discussing how the game had changed since Davis famously led the Cats to their last premiership.

Sitting in Bob’s living room, Mackie, who now wears Davis’s number 4 for the Cats, had little idea that this encounter would become one of his fondest memories of the great Bobby Davis as he entertained the room in a way that only he could.

“We were round at Bob’s house with a reporter doing a story and had set aside about half an hour for the interview,” said Mackie.

“It all began, as you would expect, with a few questions. But Bob was in an entertaining mood and took centre stage and began recalling great memories of the Grand Final and how the game used to be played in his day.

“Two and a half hours later we hadn’t moved and were still sitting in his lounge room laughing as he recounted countless tales of the glory days and how footy used to be and his particular favourite was stories about the day he took the Cats to our last premiership.

“He was such a funny man and that day is probably the memory I will hold onto most and it summed up the kind of guy he was.

He has a very distinctive laugh and one that made people smile and that is how I will remember him.”

Mackie met Bob in 2003 shortly after he had been taken with pick No. 7 in the 2002 national draft. The pair initially formed a friendship based on Mackie being presented with the number four jumper, which he describes as one of the proudest moments in his football career.

“To be a young guy making your way through the system and be presented with

the number of such a club champion really struck me at the time,” said Mackie.

“I went to the number four locker and looked at his achievements. He was a dual premiership player, premiership coach, B & F winner and All-Australian so it was a little daunting but I am very proud to wear it.

“I guess wearing the number built a bit of a bond between myself and Bob and he was very kind to me and the other guys at the Cats.

“He meant so much to the Geelong Football Club and I am very proud that I had the opportunity to meet him and am proud to wear his jumper.”

In an interview in 2008, Bob shared his admiration for Mackie, however clearly felt he could not match the pace of the great ‘Geelong Flyer’.

“Naturally I took an interest in Andrew when they gave him No. 4, just as I did with

all the boys who wore the number after I retired,” said Davis “I’m actually very proud he wears No. 4 because he is also a very nice young man, well respected in the club.

“He’s also a very good mover who can change direction at whim. He has become a better player when the ball is in front of him.

“And it makes me feel good to see No. 4 getting a lot of the ball.

“He’s also very quick. As quick as I was?

I’m not meant to say this, but I would have given Chris Judd pneumonia.

“Margaret (Bob’s wife) gets upset when I say things like that.

“But I was given the nickname of the Geelong Flyer, either by Hugh Buggy or Alf Brown, who were the Mike Sheahans of the time.”

In May, the AFL industry was saddened by the passing of Davis who died at the age of 82. However, as tributes began flooding in, it was clear his legacy as one of the greatest characters to ever play the game will live on for generations to come.

Many of the tributes shared common themes, marvelling at his speed and skill as a player and discussing his ability to get the most out of his players as a coach. But the most powerful theme throughout all of his tributes was that Bob Davis was a true

gentleman of the game and a man whose charm transcended generational barriers.

A highly skilled and fast half forward, Davis joined the cats as a 19-year-old in 1948 and went on to play 189 games for his beloved club. He was named All-Australian in 1958 and represented Victoria on 13 occasions.

He was captain of Geelong from 1955 to 1958 and coached the club for six years taking them to the 1963 premiership.

Throughout his time Davis rated himself as a man with the ability to identify talent and helped lure ruckman Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer, regarded by many as Geelong’s greatest player, from Western Australia, and built a side of stars including Billy Goggin, Doug Wade, John Sharrock, Fred Wooller and the Lord twins, Alistair and Stewart.

At the time, he also recruited a young John Newman from Geelong Grammar, gave him the nickname ‘Sam’ and sent him on a celebrated career as a 300-game ruckman and media personality.

He was part of the iconic World of Sports and League Teams programs on Channel

Seven and entertained generations of sports lovers with his antics as part of the “three wise monkeys” with Magpie Lou Richards and Tiger Jack Dyer.

The trio revolutionised football entertainment, with many suggesting the modern day Footy Show was inspired by the format which took a light-hearted view of our great game.

His funeral was held on the 24th of May with over 1000 in attendance at the St Mary’s Basilica, just up the hill from Skilled Stadium which has his name adorned above the main gates.

As stories flowed, it was clear he had ascended to legend status in the game on the strength of searing speed and skill as a player, acute intuition for getting the most from people as a coach and his extraordinary charisma and magnetism as a media presenter and raconteur.

But what again rang true above all of his football brilliance was that he will be most remembered as one of the true gentlemen of the game.

Davis was husband to Margaret and father of Joanne, Margot, Prue, Edwina and Guy and grandfather to Gus, Georgie, Rory, Olivia and Patrick.

Bob Davis was a true gentleman of the game and a man

whose charm transcended

generational barriers.

his legacy as one of the greatest

characters to ever play the game will live on for generations.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

7

NEXT GOAL PROGRAM

Daniel Southern and Tony Woods.

Next Goal celebrates 10 years

While perhaps one of the more daring participants, having worked with large jungle cats and crocodiles, Daniel is just one of hundreds of players who have used the Next Goal program to establish themselves in a field outside professional sport. Cameron Bruce work with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Shane Crawford undertook placement with the Freedman Brothers to break into the horse racing industry, while Jarryd Roughead has worked with a landscape gardening business.

Over the years the program has seen players head off to make inroads in fields as diverse as running fishing charters and joining the police academy, while some such as Anthony Rocca elected to gain an understanding of life in the workplace a bit closer to home – in the front office of the Collingwood Football Club.

Players look favourably upon the experience as it gives them a break from

The Next Goal program encourages players to prepare for a career after football. Once a year the football industry gets together to celebrate the achievements of its participants.

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arly on a brisk autumn morning in April, the AFL industry’s Next Goal program celebrated its 10th anniversary with a breakfast at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. For a decade now the AFL Players’ Association and AFL SportsReady have worked together to provide current footballers with the best opportunity for a career after they retire.

The breakfast presented a chance for some of the Next Goal program’s key players – staff, footballers and business leaders – to reflect on the success and the importance of the initiative since its inception in 2002.

The guests were greeted by host Tim Lane and speakers Daniel Southern and Chris Heffernan, who’ve both benefited greatly from the Next Goal process.

First, Daniel Southern, former iconic figure of the Western Bulldogs backline took the stage, during a rare trip back to Australia from his adopted home in Egypt.

An introductory video captured some vision of Daniel’s work placement at the Melbourne Zoo way back in the inaugural year of the Next Goal program. That very hands-on experience cemented Daniel’s love of wildlife and nature, and he credits that time with broadening his horizons and enabling him to make the move overseas. He now organises adventure travel tours from his base in Cairo and leads travelling groups on expeditions through the Middle East.

Despite the fragile political climate in Egypt in recent times, Daniel, now 36, has immersed himself in all things Egyptian, converting to Islam and taking on board the Arabic name of Mustafa. He is now married and recently welcomed his first son into the world, Zakaria.

Along with great insight into his work with in the Egyptian tourism and hospitality industry, Daniel spoke on the recent political upheaval in Cairo and how he became embroiled in the

The average career is incredibly

short compared with other

occupations, and any given

game could be a player’s last.

riots and carnage that broke out one night without warning, as prisoners ran free and the military stepped in to return the city to normalcy. All the while, his wife Reham edged agonisingly closer to giving birth.

His story is one of incredible twists and turns that he could never have seen coming when he applied to the Next Goal program to do some work experience with the caged animals at Melbourne Zoo a decade ago.

Southern’s anecdotes revealed just how far the program can propel an AFL player – rookie or primary listed – into life after football, and provide the necessary safety net if things in football don’t go to plan. He became a cult figure with the Bulldogs before debilitating knee injuries brought his time in the game to an end at just 25 years of age.

The average career is incredibly short compared with other occupations, and any given game could be a player’s last.

AFL SportsReady Project Manager Rayden Tallis stresses the importance of the initiative. “Every year, dozens of players are delisted or retire – Next Goal is one of our key weapons in efforts to ensure they are ready for their ‘second career’,” Tallis said.

their stressful footy routine, while employers are more than happy to take on an extra pair of hands at no expense to them.

After Southern, Essendon premiership player and Melbourne midfielder Chris Heffernan took the microphone.

While playing, Chris studied business administration with RMIT and Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) where he completed his masters in applied finance, before securing placement with the Austock Group.

From there, Chris was able to extend this into a full-time role as a Corporate Analyst following retirement. Following his time there, Chris headed off to New York only months before the global financial crisis, managing to secure a role with Deutsche Asset Management.

Witnessing the turmoil on Wall St firsthand, Heffernan’s role in middlemanagement meant he oversaw many of the sudden job losses, and likened it somewhat to the times he was caught up in trade week as a footballer.

After more than two years in the Big Apple, Chris returned to Melbourne this summer for his own wedding, and has since settled into a role as Senior Consultant at Ernst & Young. He noted

Tim Lane and Chris Heffernan.

“Next Goal is one of our key weapons in efforts to ensure they are ready for their ‘second career’.” – Rayden Tallis

From Left: Marty Pask (left), OUA Executive Director of Operations Michelle Beveridge and Stuart Hamilton OUA CEO.

the benefit of making the transition into the regular workforce while still playing the game: “I think if you have any idea of what you want to do; it (the Next Goal program) is the perfect opportunity to pursue it.”

Another drawcard of the breakfast, which was sponsored by Open Universities Australia, was the announcement of this year’s winners of the annual OUA Learning for Life Scholarships. Five players – who have been retired for more than three years – are granted the scholarships each year.

Marty Pask, who played with the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane, was one of this year’s recipients in attendance, and is currently studying Business Law with OUA. Pask said his current focus was expanding his expertise while he fulfils his current role as a player manager.

The four other scholarships went to Kris Massie, Rob Forster-Knight (YMCA), Adrian Fletcher (Dorf Clark Industries), and Stephen Schwerdt.

AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis identified the Next Goal program as another aspect of the service the Association helps provide its members to give them the best chance of success well after their playing days.

“Along with education support, financial and career advice and wellbeing services, work placements are a big part of our efforts to make AFL the best possible career pathway in Australian sport,” Finnis said.

For more information on how to get involved with the Next Goal Program contact Rayden Tallis on 0407 162 229.

AFL Sports Ready Board Member Graeme Billings and Rayden Tallis.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

9

next coach program

Coaching the future coaches Boasting a 100 per cent success rate, the Next Coach program continues to provide players with the opportunity to gain an education in the art of coaching.

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hris Newman, Leigh Brown, Daniel Giansiracusa, Brad Miller, Dean Brogan and Stephen Milne have all been accepted into the 2011 Next Coach Program which prepares players for coaching while they are still involved in the game.

Led by coach and program mentor David Wheadon, the program has a 100% success rate with previous graduates Adam Simpson, Simon Goodwin, Steven King and Shane O’Bree all now employed in AFL coaching positions.

AFL Players’ Association General Manager Player Development Steve Alessio says the key to the program is identifying the right candidates to undertake the program.

“We have strict entry criteria and it is only available to players who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to a career in coaching,” said Alessio.

“To be eligible for this opportunity you have to have been in the system for more than seven years and have either commenced or completed your level 2 coaching course.

“You look at the guys who have come through the program and they are experienced players who understand what it takes to make it at the elite level. This program gives them the opportunity to learn the craft of coaching while they are still involved in the game.

“They can learn and gain a greater appreciation of what happens behind the scenes at AFL level and prepare for the day their career comes to a close.”

The program starts between March and April and often involves more than twenty one-on-one meetings with David Wheadon which are completed within a 12 month window.

Wheadon has been an assistant coach for 24 years and says the most important thing for these players is to develop their own coaching philosophy.

“The course helps these guys understand the various roles they will be exposed to as assistant coaches. My role is to teach these guys about nine different coaching topics including understanding opposition analysis, developing players, understanding coaching principles and tactics and very importantly developing their own game plan,” said Wheadon.

“I focus heavily on teaching skills and people management which I think are the most fundamental skills a coach needs and should they take on a role will be one of their most important assets.

“I also encourage these players to analyse the elite coaches around the world and understanding why they are successful as this will help them with their own coaching philosophy.”

For Port Adelaide’s Dean Brogan, the education has been about not only analysing AFL coaching styles but focusing on coaches across all sports.

“The program makes you realise that all coaches are different and I find myself not only analysing my coach, but coaches across other sports like NFL and NBA and seeing what their personal style is,” Brogan said.

“I’ve been in the system for 11 years now and this program has helped me with my game because it gets me thinking about the tactics and how the game has progressed and then applying this when I run out on the field.

“I’ve also been involved with helping the ruck and midfield guys at our club because we have such a young group and it is something I love doing which is why I would like to follow a path in coaching.

“I would like to potentially get involved in a development role as throughout the AFL so many clubs have four or five ruckman these days and I think each club has a real need for a development ruck and

“We have strict entry criteria and it is

only available to players who have

demonstrated a genuine commitment

to a career in coaching.” – Steve Alessio

midfield coach so maybe this could be a path I follow.”

Brad Miller’s story is slightly different having grown up with a rugby league background. But he says his admiration for Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett shows that the program is about understanding coaching more so than just understanding AFL. “You look at a guy like Wayne Bennett who has experienced so much success and clearly has his own style and then the challenge for me is to try to understand what it is about him that has made him so successful and how can I learn from this when I’m creating my own philosophies,” said Miller.

“My passion for coaching began when I was in the leadership group at Melbourne and had the opportunity to help a lot of the younger guys and found myself passing on what I had learnt during my career.

“Transferring my knowledge made me think more about my game and start to analyse it from a coaches perspective and I think that has really helped me improve.”

For the Bulldogs Daniel Giansiracusa, it is a long term love for the game that has driven his desire to coach.

“I’ve been playing footy since I was about 9 and been in the system for 12 years now so it occurred to me some years ago that I want to stay in this great industry and coaching would be a great path,” said Giansiracusa.

“I’ve had Rocket as a coach for seven years now so he has had a huge influence

over me, but I’ve also had Terry Wallace, Peter Rohde, Kevin Sheedy and now David Wheedon and I try to pick apart pieces of each coaches style and develop my own philosophy.

“I’ve was involved down at the Northern Knights for a year and now am at (Under 18s team) Oakleigh Chargers one day a week for the past year and it is a great chance to see coaching at a different level and also put some of my theories to work.

“There are a lot of levels of coaching these days and not just line coaching, but also psychological and other types so it is important to get a grasp of what they all do while I am still playing the game so when I finish my career I can hopefully move straight into coaching at an elite level.”

Hands on education has also been important for Collingwood power forward Leigh Brown who completed his Next Goal Program with AFL Victoria in 2009 and began working with the Calder Cannons.

“I’ve been down at Calder for three years now and it has certainly helped me gain a greater appreciation of coaching and all the preparation that goes on during the week and after games,” said Brown.

“I’ve also been working as the head coach of the Victorian Under 17s Future Academy which has been great for my development.

“As the head coach I get the opportunity to do all the planning, training, player feedback as well as selection of assistant

coaches and all the roles that come with being a head coach.

“I have been fortunate to have a lot of coaches during my career and have taken bits and pieces from each and am now trying to build my own style and philosophies which hopefully one day I can execute at the top level.”

Applications for placements for the 2012 Next Coach Program will begin in January.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

11

headspace

AFL PLAYERS' MEETING

AFL players’ meeting Players in the right headspace AFL players join forces to promote good mental health among young people.

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hen Nick Duigan, Rob Murphy and Daniel Jackson came together on May 17, as part of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), their message was clear – intolerance or discrimination on any front is not acceptable.

Carlton’s Duigan delivered the same message in an interview with Sam Lane, which featured in The Age, discussing the trio’s recent appointment as ambassadors for headspace.

Headspace is an organisation run primarily with the goal of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians between the ages of 12 and 25.

Duigan, who has a Masters in psychology and works at headspace each week, explained it was important for headspace to help promote messages of acceptance because intolerance was directly linked to poor mental health.

“Intolerance can lead to bad mental health outcomes in young people and statistics show that young Australians who are same sex attracted are 4-5 times more likely to kill themselves than kids in the general population,” said Duigan.

“We want all young people to feel safe and connected to the community. Sexuality and gender identity do not cause mental health problems, but some of the societal prejudices associated with being same sex attracted can impact a person’s good mental health.

“I think it is very important for AFL players to use their profiles to promote worthy causes and in this case the message resonates throughout all levels of the community.

“Discrimination on any front is not acceptable and accepting people for who they are and who they want to be should be promoted.”

To celebrate IDAHO, headspace and the AFL Players’ asked young people aged 12 to 25 years to share messages of hope and acceptance by designing postcards around the theme – ‘In my Eyes, Homophobia is Out of Bounds.’

Headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the players had been a huge help since joining and he was looking forward to continuing the partnership moving forward.

“I commend these players for recognising this isn’t an issue about just sexuality, it’s an issue about the health and wellbeing of young people – you wouldn’t ask someone to change footy teams, so why would you ask them to change who they are?” Mr Tanti said.

In 2010, AFL players and coaches were involved in an IDAHO campaign where they held colourful placards with slogans championing diversity which presented the AFL and players as an organisation which accepts difference.

With the players now joining headspace in an official capacity, it is anticipated the issue of acceptance and tolerance of

sexuality will gain more public attention for the right reasons and take the debate away from trivial questions about when the first AFL player is going to ‘come out’.

In a recent blog by Dan Jackson, posted on the headspace website, he spoke about the diversity within football clubs and his belief that AFL clubs are a good example of a system that promotes the upmost diversity.

“I’ve had team-mates from the city, from the country, from interstate, from Ireland, from King Island (Big ‘Goose’ Graham), Indigenous, Christian, Muslim, from public school, private school, plumbers (The ‘Pushup’ King!), married, perpetual bachelors (Andrew Raines, till he met his sweetheart), fathers and the worst kind, Tasmanians,” jokes Jackson.

“But we all get along and embrace the diversity because together we can achieve so much more.

“Headspace believes that the more young people are accepted for who they are, the better their chances of having good mental health outcomes.

“This is why it is important for AFL players to lead the way and help spread these messages to the wider community. We need to steer clear of trivial questions on sexuality and rather celebrates the diversity within our game and encourage the wider community to refuse to stoop to the levels of intolerance and discrimination we currently accept on a daily basis.”

On June 29, over 700 players came together nationally to discuss the latest developments in the Collective Bargaining agreement negotiations.

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ith over 400 players at the Palladium at Crown Casino and over 300 players connected via video conference across Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Queensland conference it was a gathering usually only seen at end-of-year awards nights.

Not since 1993 had the entire AFL player come together to support a common cause and it provided an opportunity for members to share their views with their Association and players from different clubs.

AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis said the need for a meeting became apparent when the June 30 deadline was approaching and a CBA outcome looked unlikely to be resolved.

“First and foremost it was a meeting designed to inform our members of our progress,” said Finnis.

“We wanted to ensure they had the opportunity to share their thoughts on the matter with both their Association and other players as it is ultimately them that drives the direction we take from here.

“We communicate regularly with our members but in this extraordinary circumstance we felt that it was time to come together as a collective group and discuss the current offer from the AFL. “During the meeting our members passed a series of resolutions which have now provided a clear direction on the action we will take into this next phase of negotiations, so in that regard it was a success.”

The resolutions passed on the night were: 1. The players resolve that the AFL’s proposals to date fail to address the key objectives of our claims.

2. The players affirm both our claim and support for our Association in pursuing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement through continued negotiations with the League.

3. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved, the Association is instructed to explore and, to the extent it considers appropriate, utilise the rights and process available to player under the Fair Work Act to facilitate an agreement being concluded.

Throughout the night there were a number of speakers including former player and AFL Players’ Board Member Simon Madden who inspired the crowd with recollections of his involvement at the famous meeting at the Radisson in 1993.

He spoke about the evolution of the game and what was expected of players in the modern era and why players must be vigilant in their demands for a fair share of the revenue.

“Football has come a long way since my time as a player, but so to have the needs of the players. As competitive as you guys are on the field, so too must you be united off it,” Madden said.

“It’s about respect for each

player, but also respect for

your association.” – Matt finnis

This sentiment was echoed by President Luke Power who said this CBA was about more than just wanting more money, it was about a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect the welfare of players.

“It’s about respect for each player, but also respect for your association. Players want to be treated as a genuine partner.”

The messages were well received by players with many taking to twitter to voice their support and the mixture of players tweeting from different clubs about a common cause helped reflect the message Luke Power had delivered earlier in the night.

“We may be fierce competitors on gameday, but this (meeting) reminds us that we are all part of a broader team,” said Power.

The meeting concluded with a number of media conferences and the comments made

by Matt Finnis summed up the night.

“This meeting was about discussing where we’re at, where we’re going and how we’re going to get there,” Finnis said.

“At the completion of this meeting our members have now made it fundamentally clear what the next steps will be.”

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

13

ANTI-RACISM CAMPAIGN

Our team is made up of many colours Wear them with pride, not prejudice

Taking the lead AFL players launch an anti-racism campaign.

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We come from different backgrounds. We play for different teams.

We are united by our great game. We strive for the respect of our fans and peers. There is no respect in racism.

FL Players are taking a lead and sending a message that racist behaviour from players and spectators is not acceptable.

The issue came into the spotlight again recently when North Melbourne recruit Majak Daw was subjected to racist taunts while playing for Werribee in the VFL. This followed a number of other incidents this year, both on and off field, including offensive remarks directed against Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin in Launceston.

AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis says the incidents had prompted the players to develop a campaign that sends a strong message to the small minority of fans who still engage in this kind of behaviour.

The message in the campaign is: “Our team is made up of many colours. Wear them with pride, not prejudice.”

Finnis says the message was one which had strong support from the playing group, which strongly believes it should not be subjected to such behaviour at work.

“Every person is entitled to a workplace free from vilification and footballers are no different when they go to work, whatever the level of competition,” said Finnis.

“Players have a long history in changing people’s attitudes – Michael Long and Nicky Winmar come to mind – to ensure vilification no longer exists out on the ground, and players again are determined to see it eradicated from football.

“The campaign will initially run across print, radio and have a digital component. and further down the track we have some plans to incorporate some outdoor marketing as well as TV exposure.”

Port Melbourne Player and AFL Players’ staff member Cory McGrath was on the field

when the Majak Daw incident occurred and took a leadership role in confronting the spectator.

He said all players, whether they played for the AFL or the VFL, felt very strongly about putting an end to this behaviour.

“There’s a big difference between barracking hard for your team and hurling racist abuse from over the fence. This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Please keep our great game a sport we can all be proud of,” said McGrath.

“Footy is made up of people from varying cultural backgrounds. Let’s celebrate this diversity and keep our great game free of prejudice for all to enjoy.

“There is no room for racism on or off the field.”

“Every person is entitled to a workplace

free from vilification and footballers are

no different when they go to work, whatever

the level of competition.” – MATT Finnis

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

15

ALUMNI NEWS

Vale Allan Jeans With the passing of Allan Jeans on July 13, the tributes that immediately began flowing from those he touched have been a true measure of his standing in the industry.

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eans gave everything to football, first as a player across 77 games with St. Kilda, and then from age 27 as a coach at three clubs for an amazing 26 years for 575 games.

Still the Saints’ only premiership coach after their one-point triumph in 1966, “Yabby” then went on to coach Hawthorn to three flags in the 1980s. The last of those, in the classic 1989 Grand Final against Geelong, was particularly special after Jeans had been forced to take the 1988 season off due to illness.

Jeans has proven to be ahead of his time with his tactical nous and strategic thinking while at the helm of the Hawks, including a focus on strong rebounding and run off the back line. This has become a cornerstone of today’s more successful teams.

Many regard his highly-skilled, hardrunning Hawthorn sides of the 1980s as one of the game’s great dynasties.

In 1992, Jeans returned to the coaching fray for a one-off stint with Richmond. Since that time, Jeans had taken a step back from the game, but some current coaches managed to get him down to their clubs to inspire their players. In recent years though, Jeans had been battling fibrosis of the lungs in palliative care in suburban Melbourne.

But for all of his accomplishments on the field, many of the accolades being shared in memory of Jeans since his passing have focussed on the profound effect Yabby had on them off the field with his broader mentoring on life skills and values.

Dermott Brereton shared his feelings with SEN Radio soon after hearing of Jeans’ passing, having spoken to him only 48 hours beforehand.

“There are a lot of guys out there who lost a dad today,” an emotional Brereton said.

“I told him that from 15 years of age I heard his voice more than my own father’s

for the next ten, 12 years, you know five, six days a week. 90 per cent of it was not about football, it was about life and how you conducted yourself.”

Brereton went on to describe Jeans as “the most morally sound man I have ever come across”, and his thoughts were echoed by other former Hawks that were fortunate enough to have been coached by Jeans, including Robert DiPierdomenico, Terry Wallace and current Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade.

“Apart from being a good coach he was a terrific person and he spoke sense... He had a great ability to motivate people even though you probably didn’t think he was motivating you,” Eade told The Age. Eade and other players were also quick to pay tribute to Jeans’ sense of humour which was usually hidden from the public – often for good reason.

One such story to come out tells of Jeans receiving a phone call after several Hawthorn players were apprehended

“He had a great ability to motivate

people even though you probably

didn’t think he was motivating you.” – Rodney eade

ALUMNI NEWS

A new section for our Past Player members

Welcome to Alumni News

T following a big night on an overseas end-of-year trip. Two younger players and bustling power forward Jason Dunstall were the culprits. Asked by the authorities what they should do with the trio, Jeans replied: “Whatever you do, don’t shoot the fat one”.

The bulk of the tributes, though, have highlighted Jeans’ ability to communicate with his players so effectively, and also the way he changed the way the game was played.

Prominent industry figures such as AFL chief Andrew Demetriou – who was coached

by Jeans at Hawthorn – as well as current Hawks president Jeff Kennett, and even the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty, have spoken of the way Jeans impacted their lives.

Hawthorn wore black arm-bands during their next match in Round 18 and St. Kilda donned them as a tribute in Round 17.

he AFL Players’ Association Past Player membership has been renamed the Alumni.

The name reflects the lifelong support network being established for the elite group of men who played VFL / AFL at the highest level.

It is designed to provide benefits to past players and recognise your contribution to our game.

It is just one way in which current AFL Players are able to give back to the men who preceded them.

The strength and services of the Alumni will continue to grow as our great game of AFL grows, so there is no better time to join.

As a member you gain access to a range of benefits including continuing education, social connections, health and wellbeing and financial prosperity.

To gain more information on how you can join the AFL Players’ Alumni you can visit www.aflplayers.com.au Within this section, published twice-yearly, we will also provide you with the latest news and events from your club’s Past Player Associations and how you can get involved.



AFL PAST PLAYERS & OFFICIALS ASSOCIATIONS 2011 List of Afl Club Delegates and Presidents:

CARLTON President: Rob Lowrie Ph: 0438 271 947

FOOTSCRAY/WESTERN BULLDOGS President: Ian Bryant Ph: 0412 522 579

NORTH MELBOURNE President: Jock O’Brien Ph: 03 9391 5013

COLLINGWOOD President: Murray Browne Ph: 0418 535 323

GEELONG President: Brian Brushfield Ph: 0419 550 536

RICHMOND President: Mike Perry Ph: 0414 950 923

ESSENDON President: Barry Capuano Ph: 0407 592 979

HAWTHORN President: John Kennedy Ph: 0411 599 800

ST. KILDA President: Kevin Neale Ph: 0413 561 675

FITZROY/BRISBANE LIONS President: Norm Brown Ph: 0418 387 354

MELBOURNE President: David Neitz Ph: 03 9652 1116

SOUTH MELBOURNE/SYDNEY President: John Heriot Ph: 03 9391 2359

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

17

Southern comfort

From Windy Hill to Wall St. Former Don and Demon Chris Heffernan spoke at the Next Goal breakfast about his experiences in the Big Apple.

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hris Heffernan doesn’t like to waste time.

From the beginning of his AFL career, when selected by Essendon at number 2 in the 1996 national draft, he has been a man of action. All before turning 30, Heffernan experienced the intensity of 170 AFL games and a premiership, plus the chaos of the 2008 global financial crisis from his desk on Wall Street.

Now 32, Heffernan spoke at the breakfast celebrating 10 years of the AFL Players’ Association and AFL SportsReady Next Goal program in April. He is the personification of the program’s goal – to see players stride confidently into the next chapter of their professional lives after retiring from football.

Heffernan’s decision during football to bolster his off-field credentials meant he was ready to embark on his next career when he retired in 2007. Having completed an undergraduate Business Administration degree at RMIT during his first four years at Windy Hill, Heffernan explained that the first half was slightly easier, as AFL footy wasn’t then as demanding as it is today.

“In my first two years we just trained once a day, which left more time for uni. After that it was a little more difficult – often involving night classes – as the training regime transitioned to a greater full-time commitment,” Heffernan said.

Over the next eight years, he juggled

ALUMNI NEWS

football and study commitments to complete a graduate diploma, then his Masters in Applied Finance.

“Football was definitely my focus so I was by no means a brilliant student, but I put in as much time as I could to ensure I passed,” he said.

After 123 games with Essendon and 47 with Melbourne, Heffernan and his partner Emma, who married this year, moved to New York. Heffernan’s finance background and his partner’s career in television production meant the Big Apple presented great professional opportunities for them both.

Securing work with Deutsche Bank’s asset management division, Heffernan expected things to be fast-paced, but could not have foreseen what he was about to encounter, as world markets took a nosedive.

“Between my job offer and actually starting work, the American International Group was bailed out by the US government for $85 billion, Lehman Brothers went bankrupt, and the government announced a $700 billion bailout package

for the surviving banks. It was clear that things were beyond serious,” he said.

On top of the financial crisis, Heffernan describes communicating and coordinating on a global scale as the toughest part of his job. “Obviously there’s language and cultural differences, but things like office hierarchy and legal/regulatory regimes are often different from country to country, which took some getting used to,” he said.

Heffernan also took time to enjoy New York’s sporting landscape.

“I watched the Knicks play at Madison Square Garden probably every fortnight. I’ve always loved basketball; it was great to see them play so regularly.”

He described ice hockey as a great live spectacle, with similar traits to footy.

“Whilst the skills are obviously completely different, it is surprisingly similar to AFL in that the game has flow, speed, team work and requires genuine hardness.”

Off the field, he appreciated US sports stars’ ability to freely express their personalities in the media and the full lockerroom access, as well as pension plans and support for past players.

The former midfielder admits to missing the banter with teammates, coaches and staff, and running onto the MCG. He says he also misses the fitness level, though he managed to run last year’s New York marathon.

Heffernan encourages current players to think early about their interests outside footy, and to use the Next Goal program to work towards obtaining the necessary qualifications now.

“Once you identify an area of interest, try and find someone in the industry to speak to – perhaps even shadow for a day – and look to secure work placement.”

Heffernan is now a senior consultant with Ernst & Young’s mergers and acquisitions team in Melbourne.

Daniel Southern recently returned to Australia to share his amazing adventures as a tour guide in Cairo.

CHRIS is the personification of the

program’s goal – to see players stride confidently into the next chapter of their professional lives.

Southern recalled some of the violent clashes that marred the demonstrations.

“Overnight, this quiet, peaceful city had turned into a sort of war zone. There were prisoners running the streets – everything was out of control”, he said.

Southern returned to Melbourne as a guest at the AFL Players’ Association’s Next Goal breakfast, to celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary.

The joint initiative of the AFL Players’ Association and AFL SportsReady assists current and past players to secure work placement and gain training in industries of interest to them, to ready them for life after footy. Southern was among the first players to take advantage of the program in 2001.

Working part-time at the zoo, Southern strengthened his passion for wildlife and the outdoors. He looks back fondly on this experience and says the work, coupled with an off-season trip to Egypt late in his career, led him to contemplate a permanent move overseas at the end of his playing days.

“Cleaning up poo all day wasn’t the desired full-time career,” he jokingly explained.

Southern’s mother was born in Tanzania and raised in Uganda. He loved her stories of Africa, and his fascination with other cultures saw him travel plenty during breaks in the AFL season, including two visits to Egypt.

Finding time between matches and training, Southern studied a diploma in Eco-Tourism, and when his footy career abruptly ended in 2000 due to knee trouble – despite more than 10 operations – he finished his education.

Following a couple of years covering football for radio, he decided to make a permanent move to the Egyptian capital,

“to get out of my comfort zone and experience something new”.

Southern now leads adventure tour groups throughout Egypt and the Middle East, and has since converted to Islam, taking the name Mustafa. After being introduced to the religion by a café owner in Flemington during his playing days, Southern admitted he could not imagine making the decision while still playing football, but says the environment today is more receptive than it was a decade ago.

“I don’t know what the AFL has been working on, but obviously there has been a big thing with the Aboriginal players and they’ve tried to create awareness and tried to get racism out of the game and that’s a great thing,” Southern told The Age earlier this year.

As Southern recounted his experiences of the political upheaval in Cairo, the audience at the Next Goal breakfast listened in shock as he explained how his wife, Reham, was in labour during the most violent day of the protests. Southern recalled the mad dash to hospital through the chaotic streets as his wife, who he met in 2008 after three years in Egypt, drew closer to giving birth.

“I did become a little bit scared at the prospect of having to deliver the baby myself if we didn’t get there in time, but thankfully for all of us it didn’t come to that,” he said.

Son Zakaria Daniel was born hours later as the carnage raged on outside.

Back in the safer surrounds of Melbourne, Southern was looking forward to catching his first live game of AFL in almost seven years, as well as catching up with family in Western Australia before returning to Cairo.

Overnight, this quiet, peaceful

city had turned into a sort of war zone.

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hile many would attest to the fact that the Bulldogs backline was a hard enough environment to make a living in the 1990s, it has proven relatively comfortable compared with some of the places Daniel Southern has found himself in since.

A 103-game icon of the Bulldogs from 1994 to 2000, Southern has embarked on a range of interesting journeys during and after his footy career. Despite handling snakes and jungle cats at the Melbourne Zoo midweek between AFL games, his recent adventures in Egypt have been decidedly scarier.

Embroiled in the January revolution as large parts of the population demanded the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak,

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

19

Introducing the AFL Players’ Alumni The newly-named AFL Players’ Alumni provides great benefits for all members.

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hen a player hangs up his boots he enters an elite club of men who have played VFL / AFL football at the highest level: the AFL Players’ Alumni.

This is the message from AFL Players’ Association General Manager Player Development Steve Alessio who says the Alumni is designed to provide a lifelong support network which recognises past players’ contribution to the game.

“The AFL Players’ Association understand that in the past there hasn’t been the money or the opportunities that exist for current AFL players,” explained Alessio.

“The newly-named Alumni network is one way in which current AFL Players’, through the resources of their Association are able to give back to the men who preceded them.

“Membership is only $50 once-off and is available to anyone who has played a single game or more of VFL or AFL with the benefits ranging across health and wellbeing, financial prosperity, continuing education and social connections.”

Frank Goode played for North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs during the 1960s and says the benefits he has received from membership have well as truly outweighed the one-off fee.

“I don’t know of any other network that provides such tangible benefits like the Alumni network does,” said Goode.

“I know as a player who has been out of the game for a long time that my membership fee has already come back 10 fold and helped with operations and a whole range of benefits.”

Alessio said Goode’s story was a familiar tale and the medical benefits alone provided strong reasons for members to join.

“As a member you gain access to the AFL Medical Officers Network (AFLMOA) which provides timely consultation, diagnosis, advice on treatment, referral and support on muscular skeletal issues and any on-going injuries or illnesses related to their football careers,” said Alessio.

“These consultations are bulk-billed, ensuring past players receive the best medical advice, regardless of their financial situation.

“The Alumni also pays your Health Insurance Excess Fee, which means no matter who your health insurer may be, you are entitled to a full refund of any excess fee paid (up to $500 per visit) for any hospital stay or procedure.”

As well as these health benefits, members can also access the services of qualified financial advisers with experience in both the football and business worlds at a very reasonable rate.

“Our financial advisers can provide advice on investment recommendations, strategies, structures, insurances, budgeting, cash flow management, tax guidance and/or debt management and Alumni members Brad Wira and Mark Porter provide the advice at a rate that is heavily discounted to their normal commercial fees,” said Alessio.

“Alumni members are also entitled to become a part of the AFL Players’ and AFL Industry Superannuation Plan which has benefits as a member of a large group superannuation plan due to its associated buying power.”

The AFL Players’ Association spend significant time promoting education to current AFL players.

Alessio said the Association was beginning to offer similar services to Alumni members.

“We offer free professional development courses through DRAKE Training and send an email to Alumni members each month with a list of what courses are available,” said Alessio.

“We have also been working with Open University Australia and in 2010 launched the “Learning for Life” Scholarship program which provides additional opportunities for AFL Players’ Alumni to gain further access to higher education.”

Alessio says the Alumni is largely about connecting players who have played at the elite level and members can expect to receive special treatment at the events offered by the Association.

“We have the Madden Medal, which is our end-of-year function which honours the outstanding achievements of one retiring individual each year and officially welcomes all retiring and delisted players to the Alumni. As an Alumni member you are entitled to a 25 percent discount off the ticketed price for this event,” said Alessio.

“The Alumni also contributes to functions including Golf, Bowls or Tennis Days, reunions, legends games and many more which are currently run by AFL Club Past Player Associations.

“I would strongly recommend that if you are not a member that you get involved and if you are a member that you encourage anyone who has not registered yet to take the next step.”

The Alumni is largely about

connecting players who have played at the elite level.

ALUMNI NEWS

Sydney Swans FC

n Saturday April 30 the Swans held their second Hall of Fame Night at the Convention Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney with 23 new players inducted.

President of the Swans Past Players Association John Heriot was one of the inductees and said it was a great honour to join such an illustrious group.

“It was a great night and there are now 50 inductees made up of coaches and players. The Hall of Fame also includes four Bloods Legends,” said Heriot.

“On the night Peter Bedford was elevated to Legend Status and joins Bob Pratt, Bob Skilton and Paul Kelly. This was overwhelmingly received, and we all congratulate Peter.”

The Swans Hall of Fame spans more than 14 decades from 1874 to the modern era.

Heriot said there was one inductee who epitomised the spirit of the bloods.

“His name is Bruce Sloss, his career spanned the years 1910–1914,” said Heriot.

“He played 81 games and kicked 44 goals for South Melbourne. He represented Victoria 5 times and in 1911 (100 years ago) won football’s highest individual honour when he was named Champion of The Colony (now Brownlow Medal). This was his last game before he went to war.

“Tragically, Bruce Sloss was killed in action at Armentieres, France in 1916 at the age of 28.

On Saturday, 28th May, the Association held a Past Players and Officials function at Bernie Evans, Cricketers Arms Hotel, prior to the game at Etihad Stadium against North Melbourne.

“We had a terrific attendance with players representing all eras from the 50s to the 90s,” said Heriot.

“Peter Bedford was in attendance and received a rousing reception when introduced as our Fourth Bloods Legend.

“We would encourage more members to join up and celebrate our great club which has a long and proud history.”

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he Hawthorn Football Club’s Past Players and Officials Association is calling for members to join the proud club and reap the benefits.

Former premiership player John Kennedy Jnr is the Patron of the Association and said it was important to attract more members because the benefits for the individual and the organisation were significant.

“The cost of membership is $40 and by becoming a financial member you directly assist in promoting fellowship within our group and strengthen the Association’s ability to provide support with welfare issues,” said Kennedy.

“It’s all about strength in numbers and the more members we have the more ability we have to create and drive more benefits.”

“As a member you are entitled to benefits including access to the past Players and Officials Bar at the MCG for all home games, reserved seating in the Ponsford Stand at the MCG for all home games, access to Past Players Thursday Night functions at Waverley Park and attendance at any reunion function or Association Event.

“As well as this you can participate in inter club sporting events, receive regular newsletters and attend the Annual general Meeting with current players.”

“Most of all this Association provides an opportunity for past players and past officials to gather socially and to support the Club.”



The pies – past & present

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he Collingwood Football Club Past Player Association was established in 1950 in order to officially reinforce and maintain the extraordinary bond that exists between those fortunate enough to have played at senior level with the club.

President Murray Browne said the Association continues to thrive with the aim of maintaining the link between players through social interaction and support.

Browne used the example of the recent Annual Welfare Luncheon as an event which had been a great day and bought together many past champions.

“It was a great success financially and everyone really enjoyed it,” said Browne.

“It helped raise valuable funds for our Murray Weideman Past Player Welfare Fund, which is designed to assist our Past Players in financial need.

“We were honoured to have the great Lou Richards (pictured) and his brother Ron join us on the day, as well as many other Past Players, Coterie Groups and Business people.

“We have various functions coming up including our Annual Dinner on Thursday September 15 at the Westpac Centre and the Bob Rose Memorial Gold Day on Friday October 21.”

Browne encouraged all past players to become members and said the benefits were plentiful.

“Our function room at the MCG is always open and available on match days for Past Players, their families & friends,” said Browne.

In other news the Association has welcomed Ross ‘Twiggy’ Dunne to the position of Treasurer of the Past Players.

For details on all the Association’s activities visit www.collingwoodpastplayers.com.au

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

21

Geelong FC

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he Geelong’s Past Players and Officials Association was founded in 1933 and led by the first president J Galbraith who aimed primarily to foster and maintain good fellowship and companionship for former players and officials.

Entering its 77th year, current President Brian Brushfield says the Association still maintains these core values and provides former players with an opportunity to play a part with their beloved Cats when their playing days are finished.

“We are such a proud club and still aim to keep alive the traditional spirits of the Cats and also raise money for worthy causes at the football club,” said Brushfield.

“Our rooms are situated behind the Doug Wade Stand at Skilled Stadium and provide a great reminder of the champions of our club.

“This season will present many challenges for our newly elected Board as the area we occupy at Skilled Stadium will

become a construction site shortly after Geelong’s final home game against the Swans on August 27.

“Our club rooms will be demolished to make way for the new grand stand however the football club has said they will relocate us so it is an exciting time as well.”

Brushfield spoke about the recent Struan Dam Plaque unveiling which occurred when the Geelong Football Club History and Tradition Committee became aware that two of the Clubs genuine legends, Carji Greeves and Reg Hickey attended the Struan Dam School together in the years leading up to World War One. “On Sunday May 15 2011, next to the site of the former school near the Southern end of Lake Struan, plaques paying tribute to the school community, as well as the two legendary players were unveiled to recognise this remarkable coincidence,” said Brushfield “There were about 300 people gathered including relatives, members of the local community and council officers.

“A highlight was Geoff Williams also attending who is the only recipient of both the Greeves and Hickey medals.”



North Melbourne Past Players

F

or North Melbourne’s Past Players and Officials Association President Tony Sheveleff, the Association represents a great blend of players and officials from different generations who share a genuine love for their club.

“We were established in 1948 so naturally we have a long and proud history but what is great is so many players from the modern era are part of our Association as well,” said Sheveleff.

“Guys like Glenn Archer, Leigh Colbert, Matthew Burton and David King are all proud members and we would like to see more players from this recent generation get involved with some of the events we are running.

“We recently had a function at the game versus Sydney at Etihad Stadium on the 28th of May. It was held in the Legends Room and

ALUMNI NEWS

gave our members the opportunity to catch up before the game and at half time and was a great success.

“We will be holding another function on the 20th of August. It would be great if we could get all the North Melbourne Past Players and Officials to attend along with their families and friends and we have organised this to be at no cost.

“We will have food and drinks at bar prices and the Legends Room will be open from two hours before the game so even if you haven’t joined as yet I would encourage you to come along and look out for me or anyone on our committee and we will help you get involved.”

Membership costs for the North Melbourne Past Players and Officials Association are $25 per year or $100 for five years. To join please contact one of the committee members.

T Footscray/ Western Bulldogs Past Players

F

ormer Bulldog Owen Madigan says that too often, when a Player or Officials’ career with the Club is over, contact ceases.

As the Secretary of the Bulldogs Former Players and Officials Association he is passionate about connecting former players and says the Association, now in its 63rd year, is particularly looking for young blood to join the fold.

“We would love to have more recently-retired Players and Officials become part of this Association,” said Madigan.

“The cost of joining is only $25 per year for Past Players and Officials or $20 for a partner pass.

“We had our mid-year Luncheon on the 19th of June at the Pound Cafe at Whitten oval and it was great to see some new faces in attendance.

“It was $80 per head and included a 3 course meal, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee and the theme of the day was 61’ Grand Final with all the surviving members of the team in attendance.

“The other event we have is the end of season luncheon on the 2nd of October and we will be advising of details of that closer to the date.

“Our Association was formed in 1948 to in part promote continued links between past Bulldogs players and this is what we continue to strive to achieve.

“As an Association we have the use of the Victory ‘A’ Room at Etihad Stadium which is open before matches, at half time and after the game so it would be great if we could get people to join us and support the Bulldogs.”

he Spirit of Carlton’s (SOC) Executive Board Member Dennis Munari says the success of the recent Player Golf Day in Portsea should encourage more people to become officially involved with the SOC and partake in their upcoming events.

“We had the entire current Carlton Football Club playing group, past players, supporters and sponsors all down at the Portsea Golf Club for a day of fun, competition and stories,” said Munari.

“The players had cycled from Visy Park to Sorrento and it was a great way for past players and supporters to share in the experience.”

The SOC also assist past player’s initiatives and recently a number of Spirit of Carlton members went to Kukerin, a small town in Western Australia, to support former

blue Ross Ditchburn’s prostate cancer awareness function.

In attendance were past players Richard Dennis, Des English, Wayne Harmes, Ken Hunter, Brad Shine, Syd Jackson, David McKay and Geoff Southby, together with the former property steward Ken Kleiman and clearly Ditchburn appreciated their support.

“It’s been the greatest weekend I’ve ever experienced. We’ve covered such a wide range of issues of men’s health, and we’ve met so many people who have turned up in Kukerin,” said Ditchburn “The quality of speakers on men’s health, the boys from the Spirit of Carlton and the feedback has been so positive.

The people have really gained a great appreciation of the players, and I know out of the weekend we’ve got some signedup Spirit of Carlton members who aren’t Carlton supporters, which reflects the pretty big impact the boys have made.”

Murari said for those interested in getting involved in these kinds of events the www.spiritofcarlton.com website and the www.blueseum.org website were the most effective way to stay up to date.

“We have a number of events coming up including the Annual Spirit of Carlton Luncheon which will be held at Etihad Stadium on Thursday 25th, as well as the Past Players Dinner and Annual Meeting which is at Visy Park on Wednesday Septermber 7th 2011,” said Munari.

“Both of these will be great events and for those who want to get involved they should contact Bob Lowrie to register their interest.”

Murari advised that the SOC had undergone some organisational changes with the appointment of David Nettlefold as a new member of its Executive Committee.

“David has been a passionate and longtime supporter and sponsor of the Carlton Football Club and has a variety of skills which will make him a great addition to the Spirit of Carlton board.”



Essendon Past Players

P

resident of the Essendon Football Club Past Players and Officials Association Barry Capuano is pushing for more members and says the cost of membership is relatively insignificant when compared with the benefits of becoming a member.

“The cost is a one up fee of $50, or $25 for pensioners so I think that is very reasonable,” said Capuano.

“You receive ongoing benefits from the Club including invitations to functions, Essendon matches and wherever possible, working with the footy club to assist, preserve, maintain and market the history, heritage and public profile of the Club.

“We are part of such a proud club and to have played for the Bombers is such an honour that we encourage all those who have not become a member to come forward and embrace their Association and reap the rewards.

“We are constantly looking at ways to assist past players and that is why I would strongly encourage those who are not a member of the AFL Players’ Association to join up so we can work with them to provide you with the benefits you have earned.”

Capuano said the Association was in a very exciting time expecting that by early June they will have their own website up and running at www.essendonfcpastplayers.com.au which will supply a great wealth of information to the public and to Members of the Association.

He also said the Association, works closely with the Essendon Football Club, and helps organise the presentation of Debut Jumpers to all living past players of the Club.

“This great initiative was introduced by the club in 2003 and reflects the history

of each individual player on the jumper presented to him,” said Capuano.

“The reference to Debut in the jumper title refers to the VFL/AFL registration number that was allocated to that player when playing his first senior game. As only 1,094 players have ever represented the EFC since 1897, the individual presentations are greatly appreciated by the players and obviously become a family heirloom.

“It is interesting to note that 113 players played only one game (10.4%) and a total of 574 players( 52.7%) played 20 or less games.”

“We are having great difficulty in tracking down some of our past players, particularly those who have not as yet received their Debut Jumpers, and if anyone can assist in supplying information on the following past players, it would be greatly appreciated.”

The list of names are below: • Greg Anderson • Michael Bates • Trevor Heath • Daniel McAlister • Graham Middleton • Stephen Richardson • Justin Stubbs • Matthew Watson

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

23

AGENTS

Getting the full picture on past player health

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ching joints, operations and physical limitations can be part and parcel of the ageing process irrespective of our career paths. But the unique intensity, brevity and physicality of a career in the AFL is being studied by a team from the University of Western Australia (UWA), to determine the various consequences it can have on players after retirement.

Tyler King from UWA is coordinating the research which seeks to address a shortage in information available on the longer-term welfare of past athletes.

“The research aims to assess and measure the health and well-being of retired AFL players, and then make comparisons with the overall population in the same demographics,” King said.

Past player members of the AFL Players’ Association will soon be receiving letters with details of a survey they can complete to become part of the research. Players are also urged to call upon former teammates to expand the network, and provide a larger sample for the study. The first phase of the data collection will source from 1700 past player members of the Association, while a second phase is hoped to reach hundreds more of all ages that are currently unregistered.

The findings of the project are expected to be delivered late this year, and the results could highlight the need to better assist past players later in life through tailored benefit schemes, as is the expectation in many major sports leagues around the world.

The AFL Players’ Association provides extensive assistance to past players as their football career comes to an end and also in later years, but many believe there is scope to protect former players better and for longer.

Carlton premiership ruckman Warren “Wow” Jones is just one example of how the physicality of the game - particularly for ruckman crashing into opposition giants each game – can have a lasting impact on a player’s health.

Jones’ VFL career took some time to get off the ground after breaking bones

ALUMNI NEWS

through the past player membership, I had the opportunity to get some advice and care from the AFL Medical Officers’ network. Out of this, I was able to get a knee replacement which has given me back my quality of life,” Jones said.

“Getting involved in the Association’s past players has been great for me. I’ve also been able to obtain financial assistance via the Geoff Pryor fund when a creditor of mine went bust which left me a little short so I’m in great debt to the AFL Players’ Association.

“I’d encourage all past player members to take advantage of the benefits available to them as members.”

It is hoped the research being undertaken by King and the team from UWA will delve deeper into this issue, ensuring past players are given every possible opportunity to maintain and improve quality of life post-footy.

“The research aims to assess

and measure the health and

well-being of retired AFL players.”

in his foot and undergoing a knee reconstruction in the late 1970s.

Known for his huge 200cm frame but also his agility, Jones reached the pinnacle of his career in 1982, when the Blues upset Richmond on the last Saturday in September as he and Mike Fitzpatrick dominated the ruck together.

Soon after, though, Jones was heavily affected by glandular fever, which took him almost a year to overcome. Upon returning to full health, the heavilytattooed “Wow” had to ruck alongside an emerging Justin Madden, and realising his time at Princes Park was limited, Jones accepted an offer from St. Kilda in 1985. He played three seasons with the Saints before retiring in 1988.

Now in his late 50s heading up financial services company Growth Partnership Group in Sydney, Jones is forever thankful of his decision to become a past player member of the Players’ Association.

“After I finished football I had a bad knee and was going through a lot of pain and suffering, hobbling around. But

Further information can be found within the AFL Players’ Alumni section of our new website.

Agents continue to

produce the Goodes

The AFL Players’ Association continue to improve the regulation of AFL Player Agents and Adam Goodes says the services being offered to players have never been greater.

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FL Players’ Association board member Adam Goodes knows the importance of a good agent to rely on. Having been with the same manager, Paul Connors, throughout his career, Goodes outlined the high premium he places on the player-agent relationship.

“Managers are a vital part to any player’s development. They assist greatly with various off-field issues, such as financial matters, and with young players being drafted from all over the country these days, agents are also essential to helping these guys settle in to entirely new cities and states,” said Goodes.

The vast growth of the AFL in recent years has led to more clubs, players, staff, and significantly more media coverage.

Subsequently, the increased professionalism has led to players seeking more guidance now than ever. When not out on the park chasing the Sherrin, players like to know their off-field matters are in check, enabling focus to remain solely on the game.

As of next year, there will be over 800 players in the AFL system, and each and every one of them requires quality representation from accredited player agents. The AFL Players’ Association Agent Accreditation process ensures the standard of this representation remains high.

One of the key services the Association provides to its members is overseeing guidelines to ensure their managers are supplying the best possible service and advice to their clients. The Association’s close relationship with the player body on an everyday basis means they are well suited to oversee the accreditation process, and ensure that players are receiving optimum service from their agents. Around the world, various player associations are charged with this responsibility, such as the NBA, the NFL, and Australia’s rugby union as it too expands.

The Association regularly reviews and updates its player agent regulations, along with the corresponding code of conduct.

The process is just another part of their

ongoing evolution around agent regulation, as the all-inclusive role of a manager continues to grow. These crucial reviews are undertaken to ensure the standard of player representation mirrors the growing professionalism within the game.

Each year, usually in May, the Association invites prospective managers to apply for accreditation, where they must sit and pass a rigorous three-hour exam. This, among other measures, ensures only those at the top of their field are granted the status of an accredited AFL player agent.

Player Relations Coordinator Braden Stokes believes a thorough accreditation process for new agents is essential.

“The exam and induction process allows us to challenge potential player agents and thoroughly examine their knowledge and understanding of the key workplace instruments, such as the Collective Bargaining Agreement, AFL Player Rules and player Code of Conduct,” said Stokes.

AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis said this year had placed the Accreditation process under more scrutiny than ever before after the recent allegations against former accredited agent Ricky Nixon.

“Our Agent Accreditation process has certainly been in the spotlight more this year than ever before,” said Finnis.

“However, we feel this is an opportunity for us to give the industry confidence that the process for Accreditation has never been more thorough and we are ensuring that the agents who represent our members are of the highest calibre and are equipped to provide the best level of service.”

For the 2011 season, there are 60 registered agents from 41 different companies, and the AFL Players’ Association Agent Accreditation Board has recently introduced a requirement for current managers to undertake a specific level of professional development annually.

Each year as they re-apply for their

accreditation status, managers must outline what professional development they have undertaken that year, with a minimum number of points required to remain accredited.

As well as providing general counsel and advice to all agents, the PA conducts professional development lectures and training sessions to increase the skill sets and knowledge base of their player agents.

In addition, an annual AFL Players’ Association Agents conference is held to update player agents on the general direction of the industry (see story page 3), among various other discussions.

This year’s July conference focused on the ongoing negotiation of the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, and what it could mean for the ever-changing role of the AFL player agent.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

25

finance

AGENTS conference

Agents gather to talk business

Tax tips for you

It’s tax time and financial expert Brad Wira provides some tips to players.

W

hile the AFL football contract year runs from the 1st November to the 31st October, the relevant dates surrounding the Financial Year are sometimes forgotten during the hustle and bustle of an AFL season.

Former Docker and Bulldog Brad Wira, now works as a Private Client adviser for Shadforth Financial Group and provides financial advice to AFL players.

“The financial year runs from 1st July to 30th June and every year the most common question I receive is ‘do I need to submit a tax return this year?’” said Wira.

“AFL footballers must submit a tax return every year – this is non-negotiable.

“Players who complete their own annual tax return must do so by the 31st October, whilst those who choose to employ a qualified accountant have until 31st March.

“Using a qualified accountant and more specifically one who has the experience of dealing with professional sportspeople is highly recommended.

“It is important during this time that you ask three key questions.”

What are the various ways that I earn income?

“Some examples include playing contract, base and match payments, marketing income, alternate job and some also players may earn income from appearances or part-time employment,” says Wira.

“Another example is investment income which can come in the form of dividends from

direct shares or managed funds, rent from an investment property, profits from a business or simply interest from bank accounts.

“Players will be sent a payroll summary from each of their various employers. It is very important that players keep these documents in a safe place.

Likewise documents that prove ‘other income’ which players will need to present to their accountant.”

“Further to this players will need to keep receipts for the other expenses throughout the year.

“If players are unsure about the tax deductibility of anything they buy, simply keep the receipt and ask the accountant when you meet them.

“It is important to discuss and confirm all possible deductions with a qualified accountant.

“It is equally important to be able to prove your deductions. You must submit and maintain all receipts for any deductions so records must be kept for a minimum of five years.”

AFL footballers must submit

a tax return every year

– this is non-negotiable.

What are the various deductions that I am entitled to claim as a Professional Footballer?

Some of the more common deductions that may be claimed are: • Car Use • Donations to charity – AFL Players’ Association Charity Fund every senior match • AFL Players’ Association membership • Mobile Phone & Internet Use • Football Equipment • Accountant’s Fees • Management Fees “Most AFL clubs will send their players an annual spreadsheet outlining the expenses that they may be able to claim as a tax deduction,” said Wira.

How am I am structured from a tax perspective?

“In conjunction with your accountant you need to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of establishing some of the following structures that may or may not be applicable to your circumstances,” says Wira.

• Applying for an ABN • Establishing a Company • Establishing a Family Trust “Please note the above information is of a general nature and we strongly recommend and advise that all players seek and use the services of a qualified accountant,” said Wira.

In 2011, the Players’ Association received a record 37 applications to sit the annual accredited agents exam and, for the 20 successful applicants, the annual Agents Conference was their first experience as members of the elite group who represent our members.

W

ith over 60 agents gathering at Etihad Stadium for the two day conference it was clear that the industry has never been stronger and the quality of agents continues to grow, providing our members with a plethora of representatives to choose from.

The conference focused on a range of sessions including the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, Player Development Update, Gambling and Accredited Agents, Agent Regulations Guidelines, Free Agency and a Marketing & Licensing Update.

In June, we also held our Agent Professional Development Breakfast on the topic of online privacy.

Justin Quill from KellyHazellQuill lawyers spoke to the group of ten Accredited Agents about how to tackle issues in this space and the challenges and costs which can be involved.

This is part of our continued development process ensuring our players are represented

by quality managers who are educated in how best to service our members.

At the conference it was also announced that we will be introducing a mental health workshop for agents beginning in August which will involve three 2-hour sessions on mental health spread over a month to six weeks.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

27

GXY

Brad Sewell’s experience Brad Sewell has been meeting with GXY Career Development on a weekly basis to experience the Reboot program first hand.

Reboot supplements the excellent work that the AFL

Players’ Association already does in helping Participants join the GXY team on the sand at Jan Juc.

Players Reboot to become career-ready A new program called Reboot is all about ensuring players know who they are, what they want and how to get there.

T

he AFL Players’ Association recently launched a new initiative to help players transition to successful careers after football.

In late April, the Reboot program was piloted with five ex-players – Simon Prestigiacomo, Shane Valenti, Jamason Daniels, Tristan Francis and Taylor Gilchrist.

The program was developed in conjunction with recruitment firm GXY Search, which specialises in headhunting A-grade talent in fashion, sports and marketing.

The program is the brainchild of GXY founder, Mel Bridge and ex-player Pete Summers, who was delisted from Essendon in 2004. Mel had worked with numerous ex-athletes at GXY Search, as well as in previous roles at Adidas and Ripcurl, and been struck by the unique challenges they faced in transitioning to new careers. It was not, however, until Mel was coaching Pete Summers, her (then) electrician, that the idea of a course specifically for ex-footballers arose.

“The process Mel took me through was nothing short of life changing,” said Summers.

“Initially I just wanted help with my business plan, but Mel could tell my heart

wasn’t in it so she took me through a series of exercises to clarify what I really wanted from my career. It became obvious pretty quickly that I craved something my current job couldn’t offer.”

Pete was so excited by Mel’s coaching process that he felt compelled to share it with other ex-players.

“I never took the time to think about what I really wanted after football. I went straight into a trade because my family encouraged it. In hindsight, I felt that I’d peaked at 21 – all I ever wanted to do was play footy,” said Summers.

After working with Mel, Pete realised he needed to feel excited about his working life.

“You spend more time at work than doing anything else,” said Summers.

“If you don’t love what you do, that’s pretty sad, really. No job is going to be thrilling every minute of every day, but everyone can find a job where they shine and get real satisfaction from their work. Looking back, I feel like I wasted a lot of years doing something that I wasn’t particularly suited to, and I want to help other players avoid that.”

Together, Pete and Mel have launched GXY Career Development, which runs the Reboot program.

Reboot supplements the comprehensive work that the AFL Players’ Association already does in helping players prepare for life – and work – after the game.

Steve Alessio, General Manager – Player Development, says programs like Reboot matter because a lot of players struggle to find post-football careers that are as fulfilling as football.

“We want to give them the space to think really hard about what they want, and the support to go for it,” said Alessio.

The Reboot program incorporates five essential elements for career success: • Getting in touch with your passions • Understanding your strengths (using personality testing) • Being clear about your personal priorities • Setting goals and making plans to achieve them, and • Perseverance.

These five topics are covered in a one-day workshop. After the workshop, Melissa and Pete continue to work with participants to ensure they’re following their plans and staying motivated. Participants also get introduced to prominent people who can act as mentors.

players prepare for life – and work – after the game.

Inform: Why did you feel you needed career transition coaching?

Brad: When I approached GXY I’d just finished a business degree but I didn’t have a clear idea what I wanted to do with it. Getting advice about my options seemed like a good idea.

Has the process delivered what you expected?

It has. It’s been really enjoyable, but more importantly I’ve got a lot of value out of it. It’s really useful, I think, to step out of the footy environment for a bit and have conversations that you wouldn’t normally have. The goal-setting work has been particularly useful.

Do you have any advice for fellow players?

Don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons. It can be a bit overwhelming at first – when you realise how many options you have – but that’s a good thing, an exciting thing.

I’d also encourage players to start thinking about their next careers early. As a footy player you have great networks you can leverage to get experience and advice that will help you in your next career. Use your contacts while you have them!

Clockwise from top left: Tom Carroll, two-times World Champion surfer, helped participants hit the waves with confidence; Shane Valenti; Helping one another to work through the content; Nervous smiles from Taylor Gilchrist and Simon Prestigiacomo about what might be lurking in the water….

Each Reboot program will be different.

The April pilot was conducted at the offices of Quiksilver in Torquay. Greg Healy, who is the CEO of Quiksilver and was the captain of Melbourne at just 22, hosted the day and shared his story with the participants. Later in the day, the participants hit the waves with surf legend Tom Carroll who flew down for the day just to be part of the program.

Feedback from the pilot has been excellent, with participants saying that they’d encourage other players to do it.

If you are interested in participating in the Reboot program, please contact Brett Johnson at the AFL Players’ Association on (03) 9926 1344.

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

29

OUA

ladder

Schwerdt brings learning to life with OUA

Stephen Schwerdt is one of five former AFL stars to take online education in their stride after being awarded a scholarship from Open Universities Australia (OUA).

J

oining Kris Massie, Marty Pask, Adrian Fletcher and Rob Forster-Knight, Stephen has embraced the opportunity to further his education through OUA’s Learning for Life Scholarship.

Stephen is currently the Physical Performance Manger for the Adelaide Crows, a position he has held for 13 years, after playing for the club for four years. He has signed up for his very first unit in Sports Management through Curtain University, with study commencing on Monday 30 May. “I have demonstrated my commitment to professional development by completing a number of semi-formal courses to improve my skills and stay at the cutting edge; however this is an outstanding opportunity to continue my evolution as a coach in the current environment and have formal exposure to current methods for today’s athletes,” Schwerdt said.

“This scholarship would not only provide me with an increased level of skills, knowledge and formal qualifications, it will also result in real improvements at the ‘coal face’ of AFL – the players and their physical development and welfare.”

As a Learning for Life winner, Stephen is entitled to study one unit with OUA through his scholarship, but his plans for tertiary education also extend to completing a masters qualification.

“The Masters in Sports Coaching will benefit me by providing me with exposure to methodologies from outside the Adelaide Football Club which are an integral part of continuous improvement,” said Schwerdt.

Peter McMahon, Executive Director – Marketing, Sales & Digital, Open Universities Australia said students from all walks of life are challenged with finding an intricate balance

between their study, personal and work life and AFL players are no different. AFL players have the added commitment of rigorous training schedules to add to the mix which means that flexible study options are incredibly important.

“At OUA we understand that all our students rely on an experience that provides them with credible, flexible and accessible education. OUA’s online learning model offers all this and more and is also ideal for AFL players who are looking to fit their study around commitments including their training,” said McMahon.

In 2011, OUA added the Graduate Certificate in Sports Coaching and the Master of Sports Coaching (Griffith University) to its offering. Designed by experts in sports coaching, these courses will give players the skills and expertise to become an elite sports coach.

The Learning for Life Scholarships program is designed to assist retired AFL footballers make the transition into life after football as smooth as possible.

Enrolments for Study Period 3 close 14 August, with studies starting on 29 August.

Further details on the partnership agreement, study options and special benefits for AFL players, coaches and club officials are on the OUA microsite at www.open.edu.au/aflpa.

About Open Universities Australia OUA is the national leader in providing open and flexible access to quality tertiary education. Enrolling over 144,000 students since 1993, OUA brings 18 leading Australian universities and other higher education providers to you. You can choose from more than 1100 units and 130 qualifications.

Visit www.open.edu.au

Jimmy Bartel set to play a new role Open Universities Australia (OUA) has announced the new face of its partnership with the AFL Players’ Association – Jimmy Bartel.

Best known for his position as v midfielder, premiership player and Brownlow Medallist, Jimmy is proud to represent the AFL Players’ in his new role as Education Ambassador for OUA. Jimmy’s role involves spreading the word to fellow players and their support crews about the benefits of online study. He has completed several business units through OUA since 2007 and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to represent the organisation by sharing his positive experiences with online study.

“As an AFL player, I’m on the road a lot so getting time to attend uni isn’t easy. Even when I’m at home, training schedules and other club demands means it’s vital that I have a flexible study timetable. OUA allows me to study where I want, when I want,” Bartel said.

Jimmy’s experience shows that it is possible to gain skills for a future career, in or out of the sporting scene, without compromising current commitments. By taking the right steps now and giving online study a go, AFL players can avoid feeling daunted about the prospect of transitioning from the world of AFL.

Back on their feet

The Ladder program continues to provide young people with the support they require to get back on their feet.

W

ith the continued financial support of AFL players, who contribute $25 from every match payment towards the charity, Ladder’s programs continue to go from strength-to-strength with three young people exiting Ladder Hoddle Street into independent living in the last month alone.

This included Ellie* who featured in Inform last year. Her dream of having a house with a fridge and a cat is now well within her reach. Your ongoing support means that for the first time since she was 15, she has been able to focus on stabilising her mental health, relationships and job prospects, instead of dreading another night in a homeless shelter – or worse sleeping on the streets.

Ladder General Manager Mark Bolton said he was extremely proud to see Ellie transition back into independent living and that with the Ladder St Vincent St in SA now well established it would not be long until some of the young people in this establishment followed in her footsteps.

“For many of these young people all they need is a hand up to get back on track,” Bolton said.

“Ladder offers them a safe place to call home and while they are with us they gain access to our unique mentoring program and life skills and for someone like Jane*, who recently moved into the Ladder St Vincent, we are already seeing how quickly they can get back on track.”

Prior to moving into Ladder, Jane’s living conditions had been far from ideal. She had been living in a tent in a friend’s backyard and prior to this been couch surfing for

a period of time. For money she had maintained employment by working at a fast food restaurant.

When she came to Ladder, her health and self esteem were very poor and she was obviously under significant stress due to her situation.

Since moving into Ladder in March, Jane said she could already see a brighter future.

“I’m so proud to have a roof over my head. My health has improved a lot and I’m spending more time with my family and friends,” Jane said.

“I love the life skills and mentoring sessions I get to participate in at Ladder and I’ve attended all bar one of them so far and feel they are helping me be more independent.”

Jane is due to start a long term TAFE course on May 16th.

Ladder’s programs continue

to go from strength-to-strength.

A new face at Ladder

The Ladder team has welcomed David White (pictured above) as the National Mentor Development Manager to further develop the mentoring program at Ladder St Vincent St in South Australia.

Alongside Kris Massey, David is based in South Australia and will provide support and engage players as ambassadors, mentors and volunteers.

Prior to David’s appointment he has designed and implemented youth mentoring for YMCA Victoria and remains Manager of Youth Mentoring for the YMCA. He has been involved with mentoring since 1984 and was formally the Executive Director and founder of Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia. In 1985, he started with the fledgling Big Brothers Big Sisters Melbourne and over 15 years built it into a strong and viable service.

Prior to his career in mentoring young people at risk, David worked in juvenile justice, child protection and homelessness.

Following the receipt of a Churchill Fellowship, David focused on best practice principles in the development of mentoring across Australia with a focus on child safety, professional practice and measurable outcomes.

He is the Chair of the Australian Youth Mentoring Network, Chair of the Victorian Community Services Panel for the Churchill Fellowship Foundation and member of the State Committee and a Board Director for the Sisters of Charity Community Care Inc. David aims to develop the highest quality youth mentoring models across Australia with a focus on cost effective, child safe, long-term supportive relationships between vulnerable young people and community and said he was very excited about the opportunity.

“I’ve seen many mentor programs come and go over the years. From the outset, Ladder stood out from the rest. It has always paid attention to high quality mentoring, documented procedures, well thought out policies, sustainable practice and all with a strict sense of professionalism,” said David.

“I’m excited to join Ladder because it has built such a strong and effective foundation and as a result, it does exactly what it says it does: “tackles youth homelessness head on.”

Ladder General Manager Mark Bolton said David was a great addition to the team.

“His experience speaks for itself and we are excited to have someone of his calibre join our organisation. We believe with his expertise we can continue to go from strength to strength with our mentoring program and get more AFL players involved with the program,” Bolton said. *Not their real names

EDITION 60 / JULY 2011

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