Carlton’s first-year players were back in action slightly earlier than the rest of their Blues counterparts, converging at Etihad Stadium on Monday.
All first-time AFL draftees came together at Etihad Stadium on Monday for the 2017 AFL Players’ Association and AFL Induction Camp.
The two-day camp will see the 125 new draftees from all 18 clubs briefed on a number of topics including wellbeing, career development, financial education, personal branding, respectful relationships, gambling awareness and the anti-doping code and illicit drugs policy.
On Monday, the draftees heard first-hand what it takes to build a successful AFL career, with current and former players sharing their experience and knowledge with the young group, with highlights from former recently retired Kangaroo Nick Dal Santo and Cat Jimmy Bartel.
AFL Players’ Association President Matthew Pavlich welcomed the players into the union via a video message.
AFLPA General Manager of Player Development and former Carlton player Brett Johnson said a key focus of the camp was to ensure the draftees understand the importance of maximising their AFL careers and the opportunities it provides both on and off the field.
“The AFLPA provides a range of first-class programs, services and benefits to all members during and after their football careers – whether that be education and training assistance, wellbeing support or financial advice,” he said.
“It’s important for the draftees to understand that foundations for post-football careers need to start being laid from the minute they are drafted into the system. The average AFL career is only six years so it’s crucial that we’re always looking towards the bigger picture.”
