Ted Richards was elevated to the AFL Players’ Association Board at the Annual General Meeting in March.

The 2012 premiership defender said his progression from Sydney Swans delegate to board member was a natural one and satisfied his urge to take ownership of the direction of Australian Rules football.

Richards said the role of a board member is to be conduit between the decision makers and the players.

“I feel it is important to have a board member in Sydney to be able to relay the key messages and to provide a voice for the unique issues we might face,” Richards said.

Richards said the main issues facing AFL players and the board includes equalisation, the illicit drugs policy and maintaining work life balance.

“A recent topic that has arisen is the development of more structure within the AFL calendar including a specific start date for pre-season. This will help guys achieve more off the field,” he said.

Richards has achieved plenty outside football having completed a Bachelor of Commerce and he is currently undertaking a Masters of Applied Finance. He hopes to stay involved in AFL when he retires from playing.

“I have a massive passion for AFL, I don’t know specifically what I will be doing, but I have a need to be involved with the game,” he said.

Richard, 30, was drafted in 2000 and during his time in the game he has seen the Players’ Association grow enormously but for this to continue Richards believes the players must continue to “buy-in”.

“The past 12 months, the unity and strength through the negotiation of the CBA especially, has been an indicator of our progression,” Richards said.

Richards encourages all players to take ownership of the game by connecting with their club delegates and voicing opinions.

“I urge all players, from first year players to veterans, to speak to your club delegates regularly if you are interested or concerned about an issue. Furthermore if you are passionate and want a greater involvement consider putting your hand up as a club delegate,” he said.

Another formality to come from the AGM was the re-election of Luke ball and Brad Sewell to the board.