The Next Goal Program

The program has been implemented to provide opportunities and support for mature players in the latter stages of their football careers.  It aims to enhance the post-football employment prospects of suitably qualified and/or career oriented current and recently retired AFL players.

The Next Goal Program is designed to be flexible, to accommodate the needs of footballers.    The number and frequency of hours worked each week, and the number of work experience placements, is structured to accommodate the player's football obligations.  Players are aligned with employers in an industry, field or discipline suiting the player's requirements, interests and previous experience or qualifications.   The employer must be willing to provide work experience and training to the player.

	Guy Rigoni takes on a 'Cat' One of the more interesting Next Goal placements is that of former Melbourne on-baller Guy Rigoni.  Guy traded traded his footy boots for a pair of work boots when he undertook a work placement with William Adams, supplier of the Caterpillar brand of heavy equipment.  As part of the AFLPA and AFL SportsReady Next Goal Career Transition Program, Guy was exposed to the full range of Caterpillar gear.  He even completed the licensing requirements required to operate heavy Caterpillar equipment. As Guy explained at the time, "The Next Goal program gives me the chance to a look at the entire excavation industry.  With the help of my trainer John Merlo, I'll soon be licensed to operate a bobcat and other excavators.  I love it, it's something I'd like to get into after footy.  So far I've visited a quarry site, and I'm really enjoying learning about the excavation business from the ground up."    The Next Goal program is designed to ease the transition from football to work for those players towards the end of their AFL careers.  Other recent Next Goal participants include Sam Fisher at the Sandhurst PGA Links gaining experience in the pro golf world, Ray Hall with Merrill Lynch financial planning, Matthew Stokes in an animal keeper role with the Melbourne Zoo and Nick Holland with Holding Redlich Lawyers.