The AFL Players’ Association has announced the appointment of Matthew Pavlich as President of its board, with Will Minson stepping into Pavlich’s previous role of Vice-President.
Two new board members in Leigh Montagna and Chris Dawes were also elected, with Dan Jackson and Luke Ball stepping down at the end of the 2014 season.
Their positions were confirmed at the AFL Players’ Association’s 2015 Season Launch on Tuesday night, after the board voted in the new leaders at its Annual General Meeting.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the board and delegates to achieve the best possible outcomes for all players” – Players’ Association President Matthew Pavlich
Pavlich, who has been the Players’ Association Vice-President since 2012, says he’s looking forward to taking over the reins from outgoing president, Luke Ball.
“It’s a real honour to have been voted in as President today – especially with all of the hard work Luke has done over the past three years,” Pavlich said.
“The PA is in a really important position coming into the next CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiations and I’m looking forward to working closely with the board and delegates to achieve the best possible outcomes for all players.”
Minson says he’s excited to move into the role of Vice-President, a position Pavlich made vacant through his election, after joining the board one year ago.
“To be elected to a leadership position within the board at a time when there is so much happening in the industry is a huge honour and something I’m really excited about,” Minson said.
“I’ve grown to have a big interest in players’ rights and what can be done to change the state of our game to improve players’ welfare, so I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into it.”
AFL Players’ Association CEO, Paul Marsh, is confident the new appointments will provide strong direction and representation for the players into the future.
“With the season only two weeks away, it’s a busy time for everyone but we are fortunate to have a high quality and dedicated board in place and I’m confident we’ll continue to provide strong advocacy for all AFL players,” Marsh said.
“With the upcoming CBA negotiations looming, it’s a very important time for the PA and we are ready for the challenges ahead.”