So, Im sure a few of you would have caught on that I got an invite to the induction camp on Monday, so let me open this by saying that it was a great opportunity, and a big thanks to Heath Evans, and the other guys at the AFLPA for extending me the opportunity.

It was a fantastic chance to actually peel back the curtain and see what it is like for these young blokes as they start out their journey as AFL footballers.

It also gave me a chance to talk to a couple of the young up and comers that well be putting into our teams, so join me over the break!
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The day started bright and early, with the majority of the day revolving around current and past players talking to the draftees about various aspects of their life as an AFL footballer. There were eight workstations which consisted of:

Career Engagement by Andrew Swallow - Involved Swallow discussing his path so far, from picking up units part time in his uni course, to leveraging connections in order to get work experience in where he wants to go after football finishes.

Control your destiny by Paul Licuria and Daniel Pratt - In short, it was about getting everything in order- about focusing on what is important in life and various ways in which you can achieve a balance.

Your Association by Ian Prendergast - I quite liked this discussion, it was a very frank discussion on what the AFLPA does, what they have achieved in their time and how they are working hard to enrich the working environment for all AFL footballers.

My first year in the AFL by Jamie MacMillian - Again, a frank discussion on what it is like to be a first year player, from the intimidation of starting out in the environment, to the frustrations faced by first year players. It centered around the stories of Nathan Grima and Brady Rawlings. Grima in his first year on the rookie list, did his knee and missed the season, but through his work ethic still managed to secure a spot on the senior list the following year. Brady Rawlings who played 40 games in the VFL before making his first AFL game, only to play another 245 games in the AFL.

Setbacks by Marcus Drum and Brent Staker - I actually missed this one, which annoyed me a bit!

Media - Friend or Foe by Anthony Hudson - Being a media type (yes, I use the term loosely. Very loosely.), it was good hearing Huddo give the skinny on how best to deal with the media. The long and short of it was simple, were all people here, so lets treat each other that way. (Though I do understand the trepidation of the player here considering how gutter crawling some coverage has been in the past.)

Share your journey by Xavier Clarke - For as much as Ive heard Xav get ragged on as a bit of a failed #5 draft pick, but to hear his whole story laid out, it really was a tragity. Really have to feel for the bloke, but also take his message on constantly looking towards your post-AFL career.

Get on board by Leanne French (from the AFLPA) - and finally, this one was about the nuts, bolts and particulars of the AFLPA. Cost, benefits and all that. It did have prizes though which was a nice touch.

Anyways, after all that, we managed to break for lunch, which gave me a great chance to talk to a few of the guys. Ive got two of the interviews up on this post, and will get the other 3 up tomorrow.

Brandon Ellis
Richmond DEF, 181cm, 83kg, $126,600 in SC, $116,700 in DT.

W: Do you play Supercoach or Dreamteam?

BE: No I actually dont, I used to have a Dreamteam and a Supercoach, but I just dont have the time.

W: Have you played historically?

BE: I made it into the finals, but was knocked out in the first round.

W: What do you think your chances are of playing early?

BE: Ive no idea, Id love to play as early as possible, I just gotta keep training really well and get my body right. Get even fitter and keep doing everything right.

W: Well, you smashed it in the run around the tan the other day

BE: Yeah, I came second to Bachar, I was pretty happy with that. I was leading with probably 100 to go before Bachar kicked it up another gear and beat me across the line.

W:Youre a defender and a bit of a midfielder,

BE: Mainly defence but I can go into the midfield

W: So youre training as a defender at the moment?

BE: Yeah, when we do simulated match practice I usually play in defence.

W: Looking to pick up the free ball a bit in the back line, or more of a lockdown role?

BE: Ill do whatever the team want me to do- if they want me to shut a player down, I will, or if they want me to play my natural game, I will.

W: And how would you describe your natural game?

BE: First of all, beating my opponent, then after that, letting loose and trying to get the ball to set up play off half-back.

W: Finally, who from the Tigers would you put in your team?

BE: Dustin Martin and Brett Deledio.

W: Thats the easy answer isnt it?

BE: Theyre looking really really fit, looking golden. I think both of them will be in for a ripper year.

and just a final thought, Brandon came across as a very confident and switched on young kid, Ive got no doubt so far that hell get games early and do well.

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Orren Stephenson
Geelong RUC, 200cm, 104kg, $106,600 in SC, $98,700 in DT

W: Do you play Supercoach or Dreamteam?

OS: I have, but never really, taken it too seriously. I played in one that was for money at my old club, that was winner take all

W: So were you the winner, and did you take all?

OS: Nah, they were not happy with me, finishing top 4, but having the least "for", so I got knocked out in the prelims.

W: You played rugby early, when did you make the change to Aussie rules?

OS: About 17, I played aussie rules as a junior, but changed to rugby at about 9 through to 17.

W: Now, Podsiady, Im sure youve heard the comparisons, or are you sick of them just yet?

OS: Nah, not yet, Podsy is a good fella, hes done very well. I had a lot of respect for him in the VFL competition and thought hed do very well. Hes been very supportive, hes on the comeback from his shoulder injury in the grandfinal and hopefully I can do half as well.

W: Youve been brought into the rucking division to add a bit of size and experience, how are you finding it?

OS: Fitting in well, Daws and Westy and I are pretty competitive and obviously Vards with his hip is going well, so its been good. Ive enjoyed the training, and feeding off their AFL experience. Weve worked well together so its been good. Theyre all exciting and talented young ruckman.

W: Do you think youre a chance for early games then?

OS: I think I am, I hope so. Im tracking along well in the preseason, getting fitter. Hopefully if Im in form, and the opportunity is there, Scotty and the coaching staff will give me a chance?

W: Finally, who would you say is training the house down?

OS: Selwood sets a cracking pace. Mitch Duncan is doing well and so is Josh Walker, one of our rookies has been blazing the track, hes been doing very well.

and again with the final thought, real nice bloke. In a sea of people unsure of their status for early games, that Orren was confident in giving himself every chance to prove his worth. Im really hoping all the best for him and reckon that at this point in the pre-season, hes gotta be the lockiest lock available.

So yeah, tune in tomorrow to catch our other interviews with Carltons Sam Rowe, Collingwoods Jamie Elliot and the #1 draft pick, GWS Jon Patton.