On Saturday March 10, AFL players Tyrone Vickery and Brock McLean will join the staff and students from La Trobe University at The Age VCE and Careers Expo.

Promoting La Trobe University’s extensive range of sport-related courses – the players will be on hand at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday morning to meet future students and talk about the importance of striking a balance between footy, study and other interests.

“it’s so important for AFL Players to strike a balance between their footy careers and study or other interests.” – Brett Johnson

La Trobe Sport’s vision is to be the university of choice for study and participation in sport, as well as partnering with the nation’s elite organisations, including the AFL Players’ Association.

A number of AFL players are current students at La Trobe University, including Geelong’s Cameron Guthrie, Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy, Carlton’s Dennis Armfield, Melbourne’s Dean Terlich and Alex Browne of Essendon.  And there are plenty of La Trobe Graduates among the AFL Players’ Alumni including the ‘PA’s General Manager of Player Development, Brett Johnson.

“Given the average length of an AFL career is just six years, it’s so important for AFL Players to strike a balance between their footy careers and study or other interests.  The Players’ Association works closely with players to ensure they have every opportunity to study whilst playing football and as our Higher Education Partner, La Trobe University is leading the way in helping make that a reality for many current day players,” said Johnson.

“It’s great that we can have terrific role models in Brock and Tyrone attend the upcoming The Age VCE and Careers Expo and join the La Trobe staff in promoting the benefits of study to current high school students.”

The expo will commence on Thursday and run until Sunday, and feature more than 190 exhibitors.   Prospective students can gather information about all of La Trobe University course offerings, with a huge group of current staff and students on hand to talk through course information.  The AFL Players’ attendance will be a highlight, with the course coordinator of the Bachelor of Journalism (Sport) taking to the stage with Vickery and McLean at 11am on Saturday.  Anyone visiting the La Trobe booth on Saturday whilst the players are in attendance can enter the draw to win a footy personally signed by the players.