Reducing alcohol related risk, the perils of social media and player wellbeing was high on the agenda at the AFL Players’ Association Player Development Forum on Tuesday.

Representatives from all 18 clubs were in attendance, along with Player Development Regional Managers of the AFL Players’ Association and Michael Poulton – Manger of Professional Development at the AFL Coaches’ Association.

AFL Players’ Association General Manager,Player Development Brett Johnson said the bi-annual forum presents an opportunity to share information and align the goals of those working in player development.

“It is a space of high importance to us at the Players’ Association and at club level too. Our goals are very much aligned, so it makes sense to share intelligence and work together to achieve the best outcomes for our members,” he said.

“Player development has an increasingly important role to play in the industry. Our aim is for players to achieve successful careers and lives through football.

“We are in constant communication with clubs already, but this forum allows us to get everyone together in one room and strengthen those relationships.”

Johnson said the discussion points at the forum are reflective of the challenges AFL players face in 2013.

“It is a demanding industry and players rely on support from a number of sources, whether that be friends, family, clubs, agents or the Players’ Association. The more we are across these challenges, we can build strategy to deal with issues before they can become serious.”

Clea Smith from the Australian Drug Foundation presented on how to create a team-based plan to reduce alcohol related risk.

AFL Elite Education Officer Luke Brennan gave an overview of potential traps for players when using social mediums such as Snapchat and Facebook.

Brennan also reinforced AFL policies such as respect and responsibility, gambling, vilification and the drug codes as a part of Course Three of the AFL’s Elite Education Program.

AFL Players’ psychologists Anna Box and Jo Mitchell facilitated the Manage Your Mind wellbeing program, which is currently being presented to first year players across the competition as a part of the Football Apprenticeship certificate.

Those in attendance were also presented the AFL Players’ Indigenous Advisory Board best practice document, Many Stories, One Goal – Supporting Indigenous Footballers.