AFLPA helps aspiring footballers achieve goals

13 Jul 2004 - Jane Woolard

Among the aspiring AFL footballers competing in the Under 18s championships recently were recipients of the AFL Players’ Association’s Mike Fitzpatrick scholarships for 2004.

Each year, the AFLPA allocates a total of $50,000 of scholarships to eligible aspiring footballers to assist them continue their studies as they pursue an AFL career. The scholarships are named after Rhodes scholar, former Carlton premiership captain and AFL Commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick, who was able to combine a fantastic on-field career with outstanding academic achievements.  

The AFLPA hosted a lunch for the 2004 scholarship recipients at The Lounge Bar/Restaurant at Docklands during the Under 18s championships.

Mike Fitzpatrick was there to meet and talk with the recipients, along with some current AFL players who are former scholarship recipients.

The scholarships are designed to support young players in their education and training while they are aspiring to an AFL career. The program has been developed in conjunction with the AFLPA Player Development Program and reinforces the association's commitment to the future player education and welfare of AFL players.

AFL personalities including Melbourne’s Alistair Nicholson (AFLPA committee member and Education & Training Working Party member), former Essendon ruckman Steve Alessio and David McKay (chairman of the AFLPA Education & Training Working Party and AFLPA Education & Training Account Board member), attended the lunch along with AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan and some former Scholarship recipients including St Kilda’s Xavier and Raphael Clarke.

BACK: (l-r): Xavier Clarke, Sam Lonergan (TAS), Kevin Sheehan, Ryan Griffen (SA) FRONT:   Steve Alessio, Raphael Clarke, Alistair Nicholson, Lance Franklin (WA), Ryan Herring (VIC), Cameron Wood (SA), Mike Fitzpatrick, Beau Dowler (VIC), Toby Stribling (SA), David McKay