Over the last two days, first-year players from all 18 AFL clubs have come together for the annual AFL Players’ Induction Camp at Etihad Stadium.

“AFL can be a roller coaster and these guys will need to be prepared for that” – Lenny Hayes

An interactive conference designed to prepare players for issues they may face throughout their footy careers, the Induction Camp educated the 2014 crop of draftees on topics such as wellbeing, career development, financial education, personal brand, respectful relationships, illicit drugs and match fixing, and the AFL’s anti-doping policy. The players were also informed about Ladder, the AFL Players’ charity, which tackles the issue of youth homelessness.

Recently retired St Kilda great Lenny Hayes, one of several guest speakers in attendance, said the information provided at the camp will prove invaluable to the first-year players for years to come.

“Being here today takes you back to when you first got drafted – it’s such an exciting time,” Hayes reflected.

“As these boys will find out, AFL can be a roller coaster and these guys will need to be prepared for that… The boys need to maximise their time in the game and the best way to do this is getting involved in off-field development right from day one.”

See how the Induction Camp played out, through the eyes of the players, below.

https://storify.com/AFLPlayers/induction-camp

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