AFLW PLAYERS’ ALUMNI HANDBOOK 2021 WELCOME TO AFLW PLAYERS’ ALUMNI The AFL Players’ Alumni program recognises the contribution every past player has made to our great game. Whether you played 30 AFLW games or just one, you will have full access to our comprehensive support network. THE TEAM Tim Harrington Head of Alumni P: +61 419 152 411 E: [email protected] Chris Smith Alumni Programs Manager P: +61 400 019 391 E: [email protected] Brett Ebert Alumni Delegate - South Australia P: +61 439 874 334 E: [email protected] 2 AFL PLAYERS’ ALUMNI HANDBOOK FROM THE CEO PAUL MARSH This handbook has been developed for all AFLW past players, including those who have finished up at the end of the 2021 A LETTER FROM season. While transitioning from a sporting LEAH KASLAR & ANNALYSE LISTER career can be challenging, taking the time AFLW BOARD MEMBERS Congratulations on your AFLW career. to understand and utilising the services We are grateful for the contribution available to you as a member of the AFLPA you have made to the game during your tenure. You were part of a trailblazing will help you through this period. group who broke through barriers and forged a pathway for both girls and boys As an AFLW past player, you’ve laid the foundations all over the country. for the ever-growing competition we see today. As AFLW athletes, we are constantly You’ve contributed to an increase in public interest balancing our sporting careers on top of and participation, jobs and the overall health of the work or study commitments, not to mention entire industry. All at the AFLPA congratulate you on our personal lives as well. Juggling these your contribution. commitments takes its toll so you should reflect upon your time in the competition Being selected for the AFLW is an enormous with immense pride. achievement in itself but we don’t believe it defines who you are. In leaving the game you do so with Your connection to the game will still significant memories and experiences that will help remain and, through Alumni membership, shape your next phase, wherever it takes you. you have access to a range of services to help with your transition to a career outside The AFLPA, as the representative body of all players, of football. past and present, exists to support players from the moment they’re drafted through the rest of their lives. This handbook provides you with all the details you need to know as an AFLPA past It’s one of the reasons current players have put aside player so take the time to read through the some of their own money to fund essential programs content – we guarantee there is at least and services such as the Injury and Hardship Fund, one thing in here you weren’t aware you and mental health and wellbeing network, so past could access. players can take care of their physical and mental health. The AFLPA is here for you and the programs and services available to us as If you’re fresh out of the game, congratulations on both current and past players are some of your career and welcome to the Alumni program. If the best available in world sport. Please be you’re an established or potential Alumni member, we sure to reach out to the PA to help support look forward to seeing you thrive in your everyday life. you beyond your playing career so your time in the game can be Our Regional Managers will be your link to the PA. remembered fondly. They are passionate people who want to see you flourish so be sure to reach out whenever you need it. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of our staff if you have any questions. Paul Marsh 3 After a successful sporting career across two codes, Sharni Norder called time on her AFLW career at the end of the 2021 season. AFL PLAYERS’ ALUMNI HANDBOOK BUILDING YOUR FUTURE Exiting the AFLW system will present a WE’RE HERE TO HELP. CONTACT US: period of transition, which can be both Marcus Drum daunting and exciting. We have a few Head of Regional Managers (Vic) (Carlton, Collingwood) tips to help you navigate the transition: M: 0409 867 794 E: [email protected] 1. TUNE-IN TO OPPORTUNITY: Luisa Meoli In times of stress or change, the brain’s Regional Manager NSW default mode is to notice what is wrong, to (GWS Giants) tune-in to threat and loss. We often become M: 0407 391 898 E: [email protected] blind to our personal strengths, resources and opportunities available to us. Take Mark Grainger time to intentionally tune your brain in and Regional Manager QLD capitalise on the opportunities available to (Brisbane, Gold Coast Suns) you right now. M: 0439 860 186 E: [email protected] 2. VALUES-BASED ACTION: Braden Stokes Make your choices in ways that reflect Regional Manager VIC your personal brand and values. What do (Richmond, St Kilda, North Melbourne) you stand for in life? E.g. respect, family, M: 0418 553 437 E: [email protected] achievement, compassion. 3. SOCIAL SUPPORT: Bobby Quiney You have a network of friends, family and Regional Manager VIC professionals around you that can help you (Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Geelong) manage this transition. Be proactive – tap M: 0407 093 263 E: [email protected] into the people and resources you have around you. Jimmy Toumpas 4. BUILD (DON’T BURN) BRIDGES: Regional Manager SA (Adelaide) It is normal to have strong emotions at M: 0437 329 499 E: [email protected] this time and the challenge is to not let this take charge of your behaviour. Let off Jamie Bennell steam with the people you know and trust Indigenous Relationship Manager but think twice before saying or doing M: 0406 212 495 E: [email protected] something that you may regret down the track. TBC (Regional Manager WA - West Coast, Fremantle) 5 END OF THE 2021 SEASON The following information and dates The exit medical may be conducted at a location determined by the doctor performing are relevant to your transition out of the the exam, but cannot be conducted at the game at the end of the 2021 season. club’s facilities. CONTRACTS WHY THE EXIT MEDICAL IS IMPORTANT All one-year standard playing contracts end on 31 May 2021, and all agent agreements The exit medical documents your injuries and end at the end of your playing contract. If you conditions as at delisting. This may become want to be represented by your current agent important in relation to accessing two key or a new agent after the end of your current benefits your contract provides: playing contract, you must enter into a new agent agreement. 1. Gap cover for 18 months post-delisting for injuries incurred in the course of The Sign and Trade Period is currently being your football employment, provided that negotiated between the AFLPA and AFL. you maintain top-level health cover and This will be communicated to you when it’s that the club approves of the medical finalised providers; and 2. Loss of non-football earnings arising Please contact your AFLPA Regional from injuries suffered in the course of Manager with any questions you may have your employment, including losses about your individual contractual situation. caused by surgery and/or treatment in connection with the injury, whether or not THE EXIT MEDICAL post-delisting. The AFL Medical Requirements mandate your club to arrange, at its expense, an exit medical OFF-SEASON CONTACT examination. This examination should be Clubs may allow players to use their facilities comprehensive and identify all further medical and medical staff as well as provide general treatment, including any rehabilitation, that fitness and nutrition plans, but cannot require may be required as a result of injuries suffered players to participate in any activities or during the course of your employment with training sessions. the club. The club must provide a copy of the report to you. WHO CONDUCTS THE EXIT MEDICAL? The exit medical is to be conducted by a doctor to be mutually agreed by you and the club. If you do not want to use the club doctor for your exit medical, you and the club can 6 agree to another doctor. AFL PLAYERS’ ALUMNI HANDBOOK SOCIAL CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MCG GAME DAY EVENTS In conjunction with the Combined Past Players and Officials Association, the MEMBERSHIP AFL Players’ Association hosts a number of past player events during the year in Recently retired and delisted AFLW the Premiership Club Dining Room of players who join the AFL Players’ the MCG on match days. Association as an Alumni member receive access to a range of services. ALUMNI GOLF EVENTS Alumni golf events take place nationally throughout the year. With a focus on HEALTH & WELLBEING socialising, networking and Alumni COMPLIMENTARY WELLBEING CONSULTATIONS program awareness, these events Alumni members have access to prove to be pivotal in keeping players our National Psychology Network. connected to the industry. All consultations are completely de-identified and funded by the AFL COMMUNICATIONS Players’ Association. Past player members receive a subscription to the AFL Players’ For more information, contact Association’s publications and [email protected]. regular direct mail e-newsletters throughout the year as well as through CONCUSSION SUPPORT the AFL Players’ Network on LinkedIn. The AFL Players’ Association has Speak to the AFLPA Alumni staff for partnered with the AFL and The Florey more details.