Seventy AFL player agents from across Australia attended a two-day conference held by the AFL Players’ Association at Etihad Stadium last week.

Will Thursfield, a newly accredited agent, who played 77 games for Richmond between 2005 and 2011, said the conference provided the perfect opportunity to interact with and learn from “the experienced guys,” while keeping up to date with the current issues.

“It’s really important that we’re kept informed [on] all these issues that we need to be aware of to help our players.” – Peter Lenton

One of the game’s more experienced agents, Peter Lenton – who manages the likes of Sam Mitchell, Jack Steven and Ivan Maric – told aflplayers.com.au about the significance of the conference.

“It’s really important that we’re kept informed, whether it be CBA negotiations, issues with free agency, wellness… all these different issues that we need to be aware of to help our players.”

“We’re fully behind what the AFLPA are doing and the support networks that they’ve got.”

The two-day conference is held annually, but for the first time, agents were joined by club Player Development Managers, so the two groups could share their ideas and experiences dealing with player wellbeing and development.

The conference is the key professional development activity for all agents, and covers issues such as the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, Free Agency, the Illicit Drugs Policy, Player Code of Conduct, Cultural Awareness Training and best practice management of Indigenous players.

The second day also saw the launch of the Players’ Association’s second Reconciliation Action Plan. Click here to see Shaun Burgoyne discussing the new RAP.