The 2020 Education and Training Excellence Award, presented by Torrens University, is awarded to Geelong’s Harry Taylor, North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein and Melbourne AFLW’s Libby Birch.

Geelong’s Harry Taylor is a meticulous preparer leading into a game and that diligent mindset clearly translates into his studies off-field as well.

Taylor and North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein are joint winners of the 2020 Education and Training Excellence award, with both preparing themselves suitably for life after football.

Taylor, a lifelong student throughout his football career, has aligned his study to his career aspirations and is currently completing a Bachelor of Applied Management course.

The veteran defender has also looked to utilise his knowledge to assist in the strategic management of his football club’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Harry is meticulous in the way he prepares not only for his on-field performance, but for his off-field development and growth,” Geelong player development manager Mark Worthington said.

“Harry values lifelong learning and has been a leader within the Geelong Football Club and AFL Industry as whole with his dedication to his studies and personal development.”

Goldstein, meanwhile, is currently studying his Juris Doctor Law Degree and has already completed a Bachelor of Applied Management.

The star Roos ruckman chose this type of degree, ahead of the foundation law degree, because of the employability it offered and Career and Education coordinator Brent Thiele said he was an outstanding candidate.

“Todd has the desire to apply himself 100% in everything he undertakes. That is clearly evident on the football field but it is off field that he has taken the great steps in his academic and post football career in 2020,” Thiele told aflplayers.com.au.

Birch is studying a double degree – Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Physiotherapy – and has achieved high distinctions in her classes and worked closely with the Bulldogs’ physiotherapists during her time at the club, before moving to Melbourne, to help consolidate her knowledge base.

She is considered an outstanding student and came highly recommended by Melbourne’s player development manager Kimberley Morton.

“This is such a fantastic and thoroughly well deserved award for Libby. Her ability to perform at such a high level on the field whilst managing a full time university degree off the field is a credit to all her hard work and determination to succeed in multiple aspects of her life,” Morton said.