Ball, Maric, Mitchell, Dangerfield…not a bad on-ball brigade, but at the annual Directors and Delegates Conference today these footballers weren’t firing handballs, but firing questions about some of the games big issues.

Every AFL club is represented by two club delegates, who act as conduit between the AFL Players’ Board and their teammates, gathered at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre to have their say on the issues impacting on their industry.

The two-day conference is the only time each year the club delegates and AFL Players’ Board have the opportunity to unite in one room.

Issues discussed at the conference ranged from equalisation, recreational and performance enhancing drugs, representative football and work life balance.

It is certainly a gathering of the minds and while AFL footballers a traditionally known for their brawn, it is their brains being put to use at the conference.

Another thing AFL footballers are known for is getting their hands dirty on the field, but at this conference it’s about keeping their body clean. They were all presented with L’Oreal Men Expert packs on arrival and enjoyed discussing which of their teammates might be suit the various products.

Jack Trengove believes new teammate and veteran Daniel Cross might need some anti-wrinkle product, while Patrick Dangerfield believes being teammates with Tex Walker renders anyone in need of anti-irritation cream.

Players will join past delegates and board members at the 40th Anniversary celebration of the AFL/VFL Players’ Association.