The AFL’s newest batch of draftees gathered at Etihad Stadium last week for the annual AFL Players’ Asosciation/AFL Induction camp.

That included the Gold Coast SUNS’ bumper draft crop of Ben Ainsworth, Jack Scrimshaw, Will Brodie, Jack Bowes, Brad Scheer and Max Spencer.

For Ainsworth, it was a good chance to catch up with some of his former teammates and learn important life skills including career development and financial literacy.

“The AFLPA induction was just a chance to get your head around a few things such as tax and financial planning,” Ainsworth told SUNS TV.

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“It was more of an introduction in terms of that. It was exciting to see some other players that you’ve played with through juniors and whatnot so it was a good camp.”

Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel addressed the group as the keynote speaker, while the likes of former Kangaroo and Saint Nick Dal Santo hosted proceedings, giving the stars of tomorrow insight into what it took to follow in their well-known footsteps.

“We were sort of overloaded with some information over the week. Jimmy Bartel and a few others spoke to us and it was really good to get their thoughts on their playing career, over 300 games, such illustrious careers,” Ainsworth said.

“A good chance to learn something off them and the way they spoke.”

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AFLPA General Manager of Player Development, Brett Johnson, said a key focus of the camp was to ensure the draftees understand the importance of maximising their AFL careers and the opportunities it provides both on and off the field.

“The AFLPA provides a range of first-class programs, services and benefits to all members during and after their football careers – whether that be education and training assistance, wellbeing support or financial advice,” he said.

“It’s important for the draftees to understand that foundations for post-football careers need to start being laid from the minute they are drafted into the system. The average AFL career is only six years so it’s crucial that we’re always looking towards the bigger picture.”