FOOTBALL OPERATIONS MARK EVANS GENERAL MANAGER

It was a challenging but successful year for the AFL’s Football Operations Department which implemented changes to key processes and policies.

he AFL’s Football Operations In close consultation with the Department successfully AFL Players Association, the game’s introduced major changes to world-leading Illicit Drug Policy was the game’s disciplinary system significantly revamped, with major around the Match Review Panel changes announced after the end of the and the Tribunal for the 2015 2015 premiership season. TToyota AFL Premiership Season. The Football Department is primarily These changes were introduced responsible for the operation of the elite primarily to simplify the understanding AFL competition and staff responded of the game’s judiciary process for all strongly in difficult circumstances to the members of the football community. unprecedented cancellation of a game Over the past 12 months, the in 2015, following the tragic death of Level Four Coaching Program for Crows coach Phil Walsh. leading coaching candidates was The death of a serving senior coach significantly expanded and department shocked all parts of sporting staff had central roles in major changes community and the football department DOCKER DYNAMO Livewire small forward around the competition rules relating was required to ensure the AFL competition led the to Father-Son and Academy Player could appropriately grieve for the loss of goalkicking as Fremantle bidding at the National , the Walsh while displaying the professionalism finished the home and away season on top of the ladder trading of future draft selections and required for the season’s remaining 3 for the first time. key Laws changes. matches to continue. Ò 56 FOOTBALL OPERATIONS 57

to comply with the prescribed program or around match-specific coaching to assist IN THE BOOK ILLICIT DRUG POLICY demonstrating risky behaviour, clubs may the on-field development of young talent Fremantle defender TRIBUNAL/ A revised Illicit Drugs Policy was also be notified. and off-field education to ensure they can has his taken in round announced after the end of the 2015 These changes were agreed between thrive in an AFL club environment. 20 against West Coast. season, after wide-ranging discussions all parties to reflect the continued MRP CHANGES through the year between the AFL and evolution of the IDP, acknowledging the AFLPA, medical officers and AFL clubs. complex nature of illicit drug use while LEVEL FOUR SENIOR The AFL Commission approved changes to ÆÆEnhanced player education and striking a balance between protecting the operation of the Match Review Panel COACH PROGRAM counselling programs – to help the health and wellbeing of players and and AFL Tribunal for the 2015 Toyota AFL players with meaningful and lasting providing appropriate deterrents and The AFL introduced its Level Four Program Premiership Season, designed largely to behavioural changes. controls to shift player behaviour. in 2015 to prepare highly rated assistant simplify the understanding of the game’s ÆÆAppropriate system of medical The AFL wishes to restate for the coaches for a potential head coach judiciary process for all members of the interventions as required – delivered record that AFL-listed players agree to position at an AFL club with concentrated football community. by the AFL Medical Officer, AFL doctors a regime of testing and sanctions for mentoring and development work, beyond and medical experts. illicit drug taking above and beyond the existing Level Three Program. The key changes included: ÆÆOpportunity for players to modify the testing for performance-enhancing John Barker (Carlton), Brendon ÆÆAll offences categorised as fines behaviour at first detection – drugs, as part of their responsibility as a Bolton (then Hawthorn), Blake Caracella or matches of suspension, no interventions at this stage do not professional athlete. (Geelong), ( Swans), longer using any reference to base ÆÆIntroduction of fines for low-level In 2016, the guidelines for dangerous tackles involve a playing or financial sanction The game continues to enact this (), Robert demerit points. offences, but with suspensions will enforce a stricter definition of dangerous but trigger education and counselling policy, when many sports have no version Harvey (Collingwood), ÆÆThe elimination of carryover points on imposed for repeat third offenders tackles which cause forceful high contact and programs, along with target testing. of a policy in operation, because the AFL (St Kilda), Simon Lloyd (then Fremantle) any offence. within a season. the following changes will also be made: ÆÆStricter set of consequences for players industry understands the threat of illicit and (Port Adelaide) were ÆÆConduct graded in two categories only who fail to modify their behaviour – Appeal Grounds – A ‘manifestly drugs to players’ health and wellbeing, and the leading contenders in a high-quality – intentional or careless. Four new MRP members were named to public suspension and fine after inadequate’ sanction or classification will we also believe the privilege of playing AFL field of applicants who sought to be part ÆÆThe MRP to issue fines, two-match the weekly operation of the review of all second detection. be available as appeal grounds. This has comes with a responsibility to the club and of the program. and three-match suspensions, with games – , , Michael ÆÆIncreased club involvement – been introduced after the AFL considered to the game. The selection process involved an more serious offences referred to Christian and , who could clubs informed earlier and greater it could not appeal a suspension that was extensive application, peer and senior coach the Tribunal. call on four premierships and nearly 900 involvement in education and deemed too low, whereas a player or club TRANSITION TO NEW SYSTEM review and an interview conducted by a ÆÆSimplification of the Bad Record games of AFL experience between them. counselling programs. retained the right to appeal a suspension ÆÆPlayers with one detection more than combination of highly regarded coaches and provisions, with a maximum addition The operation of the panel was that ÆÆUrine testing and year-round hair that was deemed too high. two years old (with no further positive CEOs. Former AFL coach Peter Schwab and of one extra match of suspension on three of the four members would rule on testing – urine testing to determine tests) will enter the new system with 2006 West Coast premiership coach John a penalty. incidents each week, with the make-up Impact Guidelines – The wording consequences; hair testing to monitor no detections. Worsfold were joined by Socceroos coach ÆÆRetention of discounts for early pleas of the panel regularly altering through the around the potential to cause serious behaviour and direct target testing and ÆÆIf a player is on two detections, his Ange Postecoglou, leading hockey coach (lowering of fines or one-match season. A chairman was not appointed, with injury will be expanded to include education programs. next detection will result in four-week Ric Charlesworth and club CEOs Trevor suspension reduction), but removal of a majority 2-1 or 3-0 ruling on each incident to intentional head-high strikes and high ÆÆNo public release of results – the AFL suspension and the $5000 fine. Nisbett (West Coast), Greg Swann ( automatic good record provision. determine whether a charge was laid. bumps with significant head contact will no longer release the results of illicit ÆÆIf a player is on one detection, the next Lions), Peter Jackson (Melbourne) and Brian ÆÆBrownlow Medal eligibility based , Shane Wakelin and and/or player momentum. drug testing. detection will be a $5000 fine, plus the Cook (Geelong). around whether a player was Paul Williams also joined the Tribunal jury ÆÆSelf-notification – players will be Contact With An Injured Player – club informed but no suspension. suspended/not suspended for a as new members, as part of the rotation permitted one self-notification, The course centres around four key This will be deemed as a fixed financial match in any particular home and of members to sit on any cases taken to allowed only if they have not components – core coaching modules, sanction on the table of offences. away season. hearings through the season. previously been identified under NAB AFL ACADEMY HEAD COACH an individual learning plan, a program for the Illicit Drugs Policy. high-impact leadership and individual ÆÆPlayers in the AFL’s Talent Pathway was appointed from a coach mentoring. The core modules AFL TRIBUNAL SUMMARY programs will also undergo testing with high-quality field of applicants to guide the address areas including rules, regulations, 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 detections of an illicit substance to be overall development of the elite teenage governance, integrity, government relations and the economy of the game. Charges 137 150 128 147 159 178 236 157 183 196 communicated to the respective club players in the country as they prepared for doctor once drafted. possible AFL careers. Other modules address quality coaching Tribunal hearings 32 42 22 35 25 15 25 15 15 11 Sanderson played 209 games for the practice, strategic communications, media No. of cases not sustained 11 12 6 15 5 3 8 2 5 1 Interventions and consequences Adelaide Crows, Collingwood and Geelong training and ethical leadership. Appeals 4 1 0 3 0 1 1 0 2 0 are as follows: between 1992-2005, before taking on Four mentor coaches are involved with No. of players accepting prescribed penalty 105 108 106 112 134 163 211 142 168 185 ÆÆFirst detection: $5000 financial assistant coaching roles at Port Adelaide the program – (football), sanction (suspended) and compulsory (2006) and the Cats (2007-11) and the Ric Charlesworth (hockey), Cliff Mallett % of players accepting prescribed penalty 77% 72% 83% 76% 85% 92% 89% 90% 92% 97% counselling and education programs. senior coaching job at the Crows for the (athletics) and John Buchanan (cricket). No. of players suspended 45 37 41 43 51 47 59 59 55 36 ÆÆSecond detection: Four-match 2012-14 seasons. Worsfold was also involved as a mentor Matches lost through suspension 71 71 77 68 86 72 112 104 75 57 suspension and $5000 sanction As the NAB AFL Academy head coach, before his appointment as an assistant Fixed financial sanctions ($) 66,900 114,800 65,700 101,700 77,300 92,600 159,850 93,550 96,350 95,000 imposed. Club notified and the Sanderson’s primary role was to oversee with the Adelaide Crows. suspension confirmed publicly. the development and training path of The current group of coaches Low-level financial sanctions ($) ------77,500 ÆÆThird detection: 12-match suspension. the elite junior players selected from the will continue into the second year of Reprimands 36 38 31 29 42 47 41 33 41 - Where a player is deemed as acting NAB AFL Under-18 and NAB AFL Under-16 the program and a new group will start The previous Tribunal system operated from 2005-14. The revised Tribunal system was introduced for the 2015 season. outside the spirit of the policy by failing Championships, with two major priorities in February 2016.

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to fill the required spots were the system The interchange cap had been AFL UMPIRING DEPARTMENT to be introduced in 2017. INTERNATIONAL RULES introduced for the 2014 season for an initial FULL STRETCH The 2015 season was a success for the The Score Review System saw 35 Australia played Ireland in a one-off Test two-year trial, set at 120 rotations a match Australia’s outreaches Ireland’s Gary umpiring department. A 14 per cent decisions overturned that would have been for the 2015 International Rules Series at across three interchange players, with one Brennan in the International decrease in error rate, as judged by the errors, of which eight were initiated by the Croke Park in Dublin on November 21, with player being used as a substitute in case Rules Test in Dublin, but the umpires’ coaches, was a great result. score review official. The time taken for Ireland proving successful by four points of injury. Irish had the last laugh, winning 58-54. The introduction of a redefining and each review was reduced from an average in a closely fought contest. In 2016, the cap will continue to not tighter interpretation of holding the of 30 seconds in 2014 to 20.5 in 2015. There The 2015 series came on the back of have any quarter-by-quarter restrictions, ball was universally applauded by the were four errors made out of 143 reviews. last year’s successful meeting between with the use of the 90 interchange football world. While the goal is to have no errors, the the two countries in , which Australia rotations a match to be managed as each A mid-season change in interpretation number of corrected decisions was rated won, before Ireland regained the Cormac club sees fit across the entirety of a game. of the driving with the head rule was as a success in 2015. McAnallen Trophy on home soil. It was the AFL view the interchange challenging, but the result for player safety Selection for the Australian team was cap over the past two years had allowed was a highlight of the year. 2015 GRAND FINAL UMPIRES only open to players who had earned clubs to transition back to 2010 levels of A new structure in goal and boundary FIELD All-Australian selection through their interchange numbers. coaching led to a more national approach, , , AFL career, with the coaching staff led The AFL Commission approved a minor which saw all but one state represented Emergency: by , Chris Scott and change to the Laws for 2015 whereby the in finals. A greater emphasis on boundary BOUNDARY . umpires would be able to call for a score throw-ins led to a marked improvement Nathan Doig, Matthew Tomkins, The 2015 Virgin Australia International review if a goal umpire interfered with a while goal umpiring across Australia Ian Burrows, Chris Gordon Rules squad was: scoring play. continued to be of a very high standard. Emergency: Michael Marantelli (Fremantle), (Adelaide Crows), Under the Law as previously written, An extensive four-umpire trial saw GOAL (Hawthorn), play-on was the correct call for any eight games in the NAB Challenge and Chris Appleton, Adam Wojcik (Hawthorn), (Adelaide instance where the ball hits a goal umpire. seven premiership season games with an Emergency: Luke Walker Crows, now Geelong Cats), This was altered to provide a common extra umpire on the ground. The trial was (Essendon), (West Coast), sense way of dealing with these rare a success with the system putting umpires MILESTONES (Essendon), Robbie situations by the umpires halting play and in better positions in a less-fatigued state. 100 GAMES Gray (Port Adelaide), determining whether a goal umpire had GPS figures showed a dramatic reduction (F), Jeff Dalgleish (F), Brett (Essendon), (Hawthorn), prevented a certain score, with the wording in high-end running, meaning umpires Dalgleish (B), Cameron Ward (B), Michael Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn), allowing the goal and field umpire to should not be forced out of the game Marantelli (B), Tim Morrison (B), Drew (St Kilda), (Fremantle), determine what score they believe would due to physical limitations were the Kowalski (B), Dale Edwick (G), Stephen Robert Murphy (), Nick have resulted had the ball not hit the system introduced. Williams (G), Tristan Symes (G) Riewoldt (St Kilda), (Brisbane goal umpire. The need for a far greater number of 200 GAMES Lions), (Hawthorn), The Commission also approved several umpires to be listed has meant the Ian Burrows (B), Nathan Doig (B), Nick Smith (), changes to interpretations around the system will not be introduced in 2016. Luke Walker (G), Jason Venkataya (G), (Western Bulldogs), Harry Taylor (Geelong Laws of the Game for the 2016 Toyota AFL Because of the historical deficiencies ÆÆLoss of consciousness after a heavy A fast-tracking development program has Chris Appleton (G) Cats), (Western Bulldogs). Premiership Season: of the established concussion data, hit or fall. been introduced for umpires just below 300 GAMES Dangerous Tackles – Umpires will be due to the definition requiring missed ÆÆTonic posturing (player’s arm(s) AFL level, with a view to them being ready Justin Schmitt (F), John Morris (B) Harry Taylor won the giving a stricter adjudication of tackles with games, the AFL also has a separate stiffening after impact). Medal as Australia’s best player in a lifting, slinging or rotating technique, ongoing concussion incidence project ÆÆAn unprotected fall (where the player the 58-54 loss. while the MRP guidelines will enforce a that overcomes this gap and includes ‘rag-dolls’). GRAND SEASON ÆÆ Jeff Dalgleish capped a stricter definition of dangerous tackles all concussion cases from AFL matches The form also identifies symptoms memorable 2015, in which he which cause forceful high contact. whether a game was missed or not. or conditions that require further celebrated his 100th game, by LAWS OF THE GAME Protected Area – Size of the protected Results from this study between assessment to clear a player of umpiring his first Grand Final. area around the mark to be increased. 2011-14 have shown consistent average concussion before returning to a match. The AFL Commission has approved Boundary Line Play – A stricter concussion rates of 6-7 per club per year. a reduction in the cap on interchange interpretation of deliberate out of bounds Approximately 30 per cent of these AFL ANNUAL INJURY SURVEY rotations for the 2016 Toyota will be enforced. incidents arise from marking contests, The 2014 Injury Survey showed a AFL Premiership Season, after a contested ball and tackling, with the substantially reduced injury incidence recommendation from the Laws of remaining 10 per cent from bumping. The for the 2014 Toyota AFL Premiership the Game Committee at the end of incidents are evenly spread across the four Season, compared with the previous year, the 2015 season. CONCUSSION quarters of a match. stating: “Season 2014 was a successful The use of the substitute player will The AFL Injury Survey continues to The AFL further updated its concussion season in terms of injury outcomes, with be removed, returning to four interchange measure and define concussion as an protocols with the introduction of the lower injury incidence and prevalence than players, while the cap will be lowered to instance whereby a player is required to use of a sideline Head Injury Assessment in recent years.” 90 rotations a match. Clubs will also be miss a match. In 2011 and 2013, the AFL Form, created in conjunction with experts There was also a reduced injury allowed any changes made at quarter revised its Concussion Management and club doctors. The form provides prevalence with a higher rate of players breaks (up to 12 across the three breaks), Guidelines to reinforce a more conservative greater clarity for club doctors to identify available to also play at state league level. while forced blood rule, head injury approach to concussion management and symptoms or conditions that automatically There was a lower incidence of serious assessment and stretcher changes will the injury data appears to indicate the exclude a player from returning to a match, ACL injuries in 2014, particularly early in not count as part of the rotations. more conservative approach. such as: the season, but a higher rate of foot stress

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TAKING FLIGHT AIS Academy youngster AFL INJURY SUMMARY Callum Ah Chee soars ALL INJURIES 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 for a spectacular mark against the Northern Incidence (new injuries per club per season) 34.1 34.8 35.3 34.0 34.6 36.9 37.8 38.7 38.4 38.1 41.5 36.1 Blues at the MCG. The Incidence (recurrent) 4.6 3.7 4.8 4.1 5.6 5.4 3.6 4.7 3.6 3.6 5.1 4.4 West Australian was drafted No. 8 by the Incidence (total) 38.7 38.5 40.1 38.2 40.3 42.3 41.4 43.3 42.0 41.7 46.6 40.8 . Prevalence (missed games per club per season) 118.7 131.0 129.2 138.3 146.7 147.1 151.2 153.8 157.1 147.7 158.1 146.0 Average injury severity (number of missed games) 3.5 3.8 3.7 4.1 4.2 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1 3.9 3.8 4.0 Recurrence rate 14% 11% 14% 12% 16% 15% 10% 12% 9% 9% 12% 12% Clubs participating 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 17/17 18/18 18/18 18/18 Average players per club 42.2 42.8 43.3 43.9 44.2 44.6 46.1 46.4 46.9 46.7 45.4 45.1 3/1 Interchange players 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3/1 3/1 3/1 (120 cap)

fractures. There were ongoing lower rates Regarding the Match Review Panel, the remaining seven games of the round of hamstring, quadriceps and groin injuries a stricter adjudication of what constitutes that had not yet been played went ahead. whereas calf injuries reduced in 2014 a dangerous is to be implemented. A move initiated by Hawthorn’s compared with the previous three seasons This includes an expansion of the current Alastair Clarkson, and supported by but were still higher than previous seasons. guidelines to consider forceful rotating Collingwood’s , for the The injury incidence (number of new tackles or situations where the player rival teams to come together in the centre injuries per club per season) for 2014 was being tackled is in a vulnerable position circle after the Friday night match at 36.1, a 13 per cent decrease from 2013. (ie. arms pinned) with little opportunity the MCG was then adopted by all other Injury prevalence was 146.0 missed games to protect himself. teams who played that weekend, and the per season, an eight per cent decrease following weekend’s match in Perth when from 2013 and more in keeping with rates STADIUM SAFETY REVIEW the Crows returned to the field to play of the mid-late 2000s. The AFL audited all its stadiums for player West Coast. In 2014, the ‘average’ status of a club safety and conducted a full perimeter list of 45 players in any given week was: 35 check of all venues after an issue involving players playing with 22 of them in the AFL; Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead in the match 7-8 missing through injury; and 2-3 missing at ANZ Stadium against the Sydney Swans. PRE-SEASON PLAYER CONCESSIONS due to other reasons (such as suspension, Roughead came into contact with bolts being used as a travelling emergency, team in the concrete in the drainage area next Essendon participated in the 2015 NAB bye in a lower grade, etc). to the fence after sliding through the goal Challenge with revised conditions for area during play. The AFL acknowledged its playing list, as a number of players DANGEROUS TACKLES this was not acceptable for the players in served provisional suspensions at the time Through the 2015 season, the Football the match and its inspections of surrounds relating to the ongoing ASADA case. Operations Department formed a view adjoining the playing surface were Essendon was allowed to use players that a stronger position needed to be immediately upgraded at all venues across from its VFL list and players from other taken on sling/dangerous tackles after two the competition. state league teams to enable it to field high-profile incidents in-season involving a team. A total of 13 players were given a tackle on and a approval to play in matches for Essendon Bryce Gibbs tackle on . PHIL WALSH in the NAB Challenge after signing The tackles were adjudged differently short-term contracts with the club – Mitch The tragic loss of Adelaide Crows coach by the game’s judiciary with only Gibbs Brown (previously listed with the Geelong Phil Walsh required sensitivity and strong being suspended and the MRP was then Cats), Mitch Clisby (previously listed with leadership from the Football Operations instructed to give greater consideration Melbourne), Josh Freezer (Essendon staff during a time of shock and grief for to the player being placed in a vulnerable VFL), Aaron Heppell (Essendon VFL), the entire competition. position, particularly involving the Clinton Jones (previously listed with St After immediate consultation with the pinning of the arms. A player retained Kilda), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats football the opportunity to defend his position at (Essendon VFL), James Magner clubs (who were due to play that weekend), the Tribunal if he did not agree with the (previously listed with Melbourne), Marcus the players association and the wider assessment of his action. Marigliani (Essendon VFL), industry, the round 14 match scheduled for Dangerous tackling techniques will be (previously listed with the ), the was abandoned. further discouraged in 2016 by paying free Jared Petrenko (previously listed with This was a decision of the competition, kicks for lifting, slinging, driving or rotating the Adelaide Crows), James Polkinghorne as the AFL held the view that it was not tackles with excessive force, and further (previously listed with the Brisbane Lions), fair to ask the teams to play in these penalising these actions via the Match (previously listed with circumstances. It was decided the Review Panel when they result in forceful the Geelong Cats) and Sam Tagliabue premiership points would be split between high contact. (Essendon VFL). the two clubs, as per the AFL rules, while

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RISING SUPERSTAR NAB AFL Under-18 Championships were CLUB ACADEMIES – PLAYER GET IN THE GAME Talented Melbourne The new umpiring recruitment campaign appointed to the Toyota AFL Grand Final key forward Jesse DRAFT NOMINATIONS was launched during the NAB Challenge, curtain-raiser match between the AFL Hogan was a worthy winner of the NAB focused on the feeling of being in the Academy and the Allies under-18 team at A total of 25 players were nominated under AFL Rising Star award. centre of the action. A simplification of the MCG. the provisions of the Club Academies Rule the umpire registration process ensured Thomas Chrystie (Vic), Aaron Langdon as draft-eligible players for the 2015 NAB massive numbers taking up umpiring for (NSW), Alex Whetton (Qld) and Nathan AFL Draft, held in Adelaide. the first time in 2015. Williamson (WA) graduated from the For a player to be included as a program that aims to develop Australia’s draft-eligible Club Academy Player for any UMPIRING DIVERSITY emerging officiating talent, while five of the Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Designed to increase the number of state league umpires were invited to GWS Giants or Sydney Swans, the player indigenous, multicultural and female the Umpires’ Combine in October. must have represented either New South umpires nationally, an Umpiring Diversity South Australian was Wales or at any underage Advisory Council was formed in 2015. promoted on to the AFL field umpires national football championships in These academies introduced the life skills list following the Combine. that year or any other competition as that high school students from diverse determined by the AFL. backgrounds can learn by being involved NATIONAL UNIFORM SUPPLY PROGRAM The AFL teamed with high performance Brisbane Lions – (Brisbane in umpiring. In addition, two talented apparel supplier BLK to launch the Lions Academy), (Aspley multicultural umpires – Jai Lyons (NSW) National Uniform Supply Program, AFC), (Redlands), and Luca Bisogni (Qld) – were selected to with the goal of a standardised (Aspley AFC), Nick Weller (University attend the umpiring development program umpiring uniform. The aim is to have of Queensland AFC), at the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships. every umpire officiating a game in (Wilston Grange). A highlight of the year in umpiring diversity was the appointment of an Australia to be wearing the green Gold Coast Suns – Didymus Blanket, all-female umpiring crew in a TAC Cup uniform worn by AFL umpires. Robert Blood (Southport Sharks), match for the first time. Dyson Budarick (Labrador), NAB AFL RISING STARS PROGRAM (Palm Beach), Max Spencer (Palm Beach), The NAB AFL Rising Stars program Connor West (Labrador). COACH ACADEMY identifies and recognises young players, GWS Giants – Jock Cornell providing a pathway. It comprises the (Mangoplah-CUE), Nick Coughlan ( The AFL invested significantly in coach following elements: Tigers), Matthew Flynn (Narrandera), education in 2015, starting with workshops ÆÆNAB AFL Rising Star 2015 NAB AFL RISING STAR NOMINEES Harrison Himmelberg (Mangoplah-CUE), nationally and the development of an ÆÆNAB AFL Draft RD PLAYER CLUB VOTES (North Rebels), online coach portal. ÆÆNAB AFL Draft Combine 1 Kamdyn McIntosh Richmond Jack Irvine (Temora), Matthew Kennedy ÆÆNAB AFL Trade Period (Collingullie), Lachlan Tiziani (Albury). ÆÆNAB AFL Under-18 Championships 2 Western Bulldogs Sydney Swans – Darcy Baron-Hay NATIONAL UMPIRING CURRICULUM ÆÆNAB AFL Academy 3 Sydney Swans 12 (North Shore), Lachlan Behagg (Manly A National Umpiring Curriculum to aid ÆÆNAB AFL Under-16 Championships 4 Carlton 41 Giants), Ryan Hebron (North Shore), community umpire coaches in developing 5 Gold Coast Suns 3 (Mosman Swans), Matthew and accrediting their umpires was NAB AFL RISING STAR AWARD 6 Geelong Cats Melbourne’s won the 2015 Wilson (Maroubra). developed with the assistance of State 7 Billy Hartung Hawthorn A total of 13 players were subsequently NAB AFL Rising Star award. Umpiring Departments and AFL umpires. 8 Cam McCarthy GWS Giants taken at either the NAB AFL Draft or The key forward polled 49 votes to This new resource provides umpire 9 Jesse Hogan Melbourne 49 NAB AFL Rookie Draft – Mabior Chol, coaches with coaching and training guides win from Carlton’s Patrick Cripps (41) and West Coast’s (27). 10 Melbourne 8 Eric Hipwood, Ben Keays, Corey Wagner, that are used to educate umpires to be the Hogan was presented with the Ron 11 Collingwood Reuben William, Callum Mills, Jacob best they can be. Hopper, Matthew Kennedy, Harrison Evans Medal, a $20,000 NAB Private 12 Tom Boyd Western Bulldogs Himmelberg, Matthew Flynn, Jock Cornell, Wealth investment portfolio and access 13 Charlie Cameron Adelaide Crows to a dedicated personal banker, courtesy Nick Coughlan and Jesse Joyce. TALENT PROGRAMS 14 St Kilda of the . 15 Dom Sheed 27 Talent Pathway umpires had the UMPIRING DEVELOPMENT opportunity to be part of the Youth Girls NAB AFL DRAFT 16 Gold Coast Suns 6 National Championships in Mandurah (WA), The 2015 NAB AFL Draft was held at the 17 Adelaide Crows 2 A 15 per cent increase in overall umpiring the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships on Adelaide Convention Centre. The event 18 Brisbane Lions numbers was the highlight in a year the Gold Coast and the NAB AFL Under-18 was broadcast by , ABC Radio, 19 Geelong Cats 1 of significant progress for umpiring Championships in Melbourne. 1116 SEN and FIVEaa. AFL.com.au again 20 Collingwood 1 development. The AFL had a strong focus Former AFL umpire Stuart Wenn was provided extensive coverage. 21 Geelong on implementing initiatives that have led appointed as the head coach at these It was the 30th AFL National Draft 22 Richmond to the increased recruitment and retention championships to assist the fast-tracking and the second time the event has been 23 Essendon of umpires at all levels of the game. of young talent, while umpires from the held in Adelaide.

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Victorian was the first Brad Johnson, , Brad against Werribee, but won by nine selection. He was recruited by Carlton from Ottens and with the delivery points against the Northern Blues in a the and the Mount of the program. curtain-raiser to the round two match Martha Football Club. Sanderson coaches both Level 1 and between Richmond and the Western Level 2 of the program. Both levels include Bulldogs at the MCG. NAB AFL ACADEMY a number of camps and an international The 18th intake travelled to IMG The AFL welcomed Brenton Sanderson as tour over a 12-month period. Academy in Florida. It was the first time NAB AFL Academy head coach in February, The Level 2 squad played two matches the Academy has toured the . joining AFL Talent Football Manager against VFL teams in April. The Academy The Level 1 squad toured New Zealand Michael Ablett and assistant coaches team was soundly beaten by 75 points in April and played a match against the

2015 NAB AFL DRAFTS Where players came from PRIMARY ROOKIE LISTED LISTED TOTAL % 35 12 47 42% 11 5 16 14% 8 5 13 11.6% NSW/ACT 6 5 11 9.8% Queensland 4 7 11 9.8% 4 0 4 3.6% NT 1 2 3 2.7% Alternate sports 0 4 4 3.6% International 0 3 3 2.7% CREAM OF THE CROP Total 69 43 112 The top 10 selections are presented to the crowd at the 2015 NAB AFL Draft in Adelaide. INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS ON AFL LISTS IN 2015 PRIMARY LIST 2015 NAB AFL DRAFT SELECTION (FIRST ROUND) Brisbane Ireland NO. PLAYER REGION CLUBS SELECTED BY Carlton Ireland 1 Jacob Weitering Vic Country Mount Martha/Dandenong Stingrays Carlton Sydney Swans Canada 2 Vic Country Seymour/ Brisbane Lions 3 Callum Mills NSW/ACT North Shore/Swans Academy Sydney Swans Brisbane Cian Hanley Ireland

4 Vic Country Mooroopna/Murray Bushrangers Melbourne Carlton Ciaran Sheehan Ireland V FOR VICTORY 5 Vic Country Winchelsea/ Essendon Vic Metro claimed the Division 1 Carlton Ciaran Byrne Ireland title at the 2015 NAB AFL 6 SA Loxton North/West Adelaide Essendon Under-18 Championships. Collingwood USA 7 Jacob Hopper NSW/ACT Leeton-Whitton United/North Ballarat Rebels GWS Giants Essendon Conor McKenna Ireland 8 Callum Ah Chee WA Kelmscott/South Fremantle Gold Coast Suns Fremantle Sean Hurley Ireland 9 Vic Metro Vermont/ Melbourne New Zealand Hawks at Westpac Stadium NAB AFL UNDER-16 CHAMPIONSHIPS State Combines were conducted in Geelong Padraig Lucey Ireland in Wellington. The 2015 NAB AFL Under-16 Melbourne, , Adelaide, Sydney 10 Harry McKay Vic Country Warragul/ Carlton Jacob Weitering was awarded the Championships were held on the and Perth. 11 SA Ingle Farm/Central District Adelaide Crows Hawthorn New Zealand Ben Mitchell Medal in Level 2 while Sam Gold Coast from July 4 to July 11. Shem-Kalvin 12 Vic Country Torquay/Geelong Falcons Carlton Hawthorn New Zealand Tatupu Powell-Pepper was awarded the Cameron Vic Country won Division 1 and INTERNATIONAL COMBINES 13 Matthew Kennedy NSW/ACT Collingullie-Glenfield Park/GWS Academy GWS Giants Ling Medal in Level 1. Queensland won Division 2. International Combines were conducted Nth Melbourne Eric Wallace USA 14 Eric Hipwood Queensland Aspley/Lions Academy Brisbane Lions The Division 1 Kevin Sheehan medallist in Wellington, the IMG Academy in St Kilda USA 15 Daniel NT St Marys NT/East Point/North Ballarat Rebels Richmond NAB AFL UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIPS was Vic Metro’s Jack Higgins, while NSW/ Florida and Dublin under the direction Mangoplah-Cookardinia Port Adelaide Daniel Flynn Ireland The 2015 NAB AFL Under-18 ACT’s was awarded the of Michael Ablett and AFL International 16 Harrison Himmelberg NSW/ACT GWS Giants United Eastlakes/GWS Academy West Coast Paddy Brophy Ireland Championships were played in Adelaide, Division 2 Alan McLean Medal. Talent Co-ordinator . 17 Vic Country St Joseph’s/Geelong Falcons Adelaide the Gold Coast, Geelong, Perth and AFL club recruiting staff attended INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP 18 Vic Metro South Morang/ St Kilda Melbourne from May 23 to July 2. NAB AFL DRAFT COMBINE each Combine and 55 athletes were tested. Hawthorn Siope Ngata New Zealand 19 SA PHOS Camden/North Adelaide Hawthorn Vic Country won Division 1 and The 2015 NAB AFL Draft Combine was In 2015, there were 20 players listed with Joe Queensland won Division 2. held at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne AFL clubs. 20 Vic Metro Greensborough/Northern Knights Gold Coast Suns St Kilda New Zealand Baker-Thomas Vic Country’s Josh Schache won the from October 8-11. 21 Ben McKay Vic Country Warragul/Gippsland Power North Melbourne St Kilda Barclay Miller New Zealand Larke Medal (Division 1 ) and The best young players from 22 Kieran Lovell Tasmania Kingborough Hawthorn Giovanni Queensland’s Ben Keays won the Harrison throughout the country gathered for St Kilda New Zealand 23 Vic Metro Canterbury/ Carlton Mountain-Silbery Medal (Division 2 best and fairest). testing and interviews with club staff.

AFL ANNUAL REPORT 2015 AFL ANNUAL REPORT 2015