Western Bulldogs rookie Brett Goodes admits he had a giggle to himself when told he had to attend the AFL Players’ Association/AFL induction Camp.

For the past two years the 28-year-old had attended the camp with the fresh Bulldogs draftees in his role as their player development manager, this year it is as their teammate.

“You feel like you have heard it all before but it is still good to hear what the AFLPA does for players and I think I will be in good stead for the season knowing what I know now,” Goodes said.

While Goodes is well placed to be running some of the sessions he said there is still plenty for him to learn and has been sure to impart the importance of the camp on his newest teammates.

“It is a great concept. It is great for the players to know from day one what is available because guys will start utilising it. I know some of our guys are already using things like computer grants for football education and for their own personal benefit, he said.

“It is a great concept. It is great for the players to know from day one what is available because guys will start utilising it. I know some of our guys are already using things like computer grants for football education and for their own personal benefit” – Brett goodes.

Goodes has seen first-hand the success of the AFL Players’ Association player development programs and wellbeing services available to AFL players.

“I think most PA programs are doing really well at clubs. Whether it’s the next goal or next coach and the football apprenticeship is fantastic for first year players. I think the majority of players know and understand the importance of off-field development.

He said player welfare relies on a strong collaboration between the Players’ Association and the clubs and the camp provides a great opportunity to strengthen and align this relationship.

“It is good anytime we can get together as regional managers, players and the clubs. There is always going to be questions and people wanting to know what is available to them. Over lunch there is probably some important discussions being had,” Goodes said.

Goodes was a surprise selection as the Bulldogs only pick in last year’s rookie draft. The change from employee to player is much the same as Geelong premiership player James Podsiadly, and Goodes said the transition has been easy but up until today he was still answering emails relating to his old job.

“Brent Prismall has taken over my role and officially started today but up and until the end of the year I was still helping guys with their education and training grants and I was still working in my role in some capacity.

“To step back and fully commit to football will be easy, but I still have a keen interest and it is still a passion of mine to help people.”

The versatile Goodes arrives on an AFL list via the North Ballarat Rebels, Port Adelaide (SANFL), NT Thunder, North Ballarat Roosters and Williamstown and said he had given up hope of an AFL career until Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney had an informal chat with him about joining in training.

“There were times when I thought it was never going to happen and the last three years I never really thought about it occurring and I was more focused on work and providing for the players and how I could be help them whilst playing at VFL level and I was happy with that,” he said.

“When it came along I was surprised and shocked. Having waiting for so long I won’t be letting it go to waste.”

Goodes said he is tackling the pre-season in six week blocks and his first goal is to play in the NAB Cup.