AFL might consume a huge percentage of their daily lives, but the Brisbane Lions players are becoming more mindful of setting aside time to develop other skills.

With the average career-span of an AFL player generally somewhere between 3-5 years, it’s becoming more important for athletes to supplement their football activity with training of a different kind.

The Lions strongly encourage its players – both young and old – to get involved in ‘extra-curricular’ activities to help maintain some other type of interest outside of the football Club.

In fact, ALL 46 of the Lions’ 2014 listed players are now involved in some form of external engagement.

Lions Player Welfare and Education Coordinator, Aleisha Whitelock, helps facilitate this extra education for players, and sees it as an important step towards preparing them for life after football.

“A lot of the boys don’t know what they might want to do (after football), so I just try and help point them in the right direction depending on their interest,” Whitelock said.

“It’s really important that they have that balance in their life, and also connect with the wider Brisbane community and get to know people from outside these four walls at the Gabba.

“Hopefully we can help create that type of environment.”

Whitelock explained that ‘external engagement’ encompasses a range of activities, and not just University degrees.

“Not all players are going to University, because it’s not for everyone and it’s not our expectation either,” she said.

“Some boys go out and do a work placement, others try their hand at apprenticeships, and some prefer to attend short courses which are nationally accredited.

“We’re actually running a ‘how to manage your own small business’ course which has been quite popular. It gives the players a snapshot without them having to commit to a University degree.

“They still come away with accreditation, and can then use it to pursue further study down the track if they choose.”

While some players prefer not to over-commit themselves and devote only a small amount of time to external activity, others just can’t seem to get enough of it.

“Matthew Leuenberger does a lot outside of the Club,” Whitelock said.

“He stands out the most – he craves knowledge and is happy to do just about anything.”