New Lions get an AFL lesson
The Lions' first year players are taking part in the AFL Players’ Association’s annual Induction Camp at Etihad Stadium
Dayne Zorko, Billy Longer, Sam Docherty, Elliott Yeo, Patrick Wearden, Justin Clarke, Sam Michael, Richard Newell, Stephen Wrigley and Jack Crisp will spend the next two days in planned educational sessions which are designed to provide guidance and information about their journey as an AFL player.
The seminar will cover a range of topics including life skills, decision making, diversity in the AFL, respect and responsibility, media ethics, illicit drugs and gambling, among others.
The Lions players have been joined in Melbourne by Development Coach Nathan Clarke, as well as senior team-mate Brent Staker who made a special presentation to the entire group of 145 first year players across the AFL on Monday morning.
The Club’s first round draft pick, Billy Longer, said that the program was helping him better understand some of the obstacles that he could potentially face throughout his AFL career.
“It has definitely been beneficial so far,” Longer said after the first morning session.
“The players, both past and present, have been generous in passing on their own experiences and sharing some of their stories from football.”
“They’re really just helping us prepare for football and what comes with it.”
Longer officially recommenced pre-season training with his team-mates last Thursday after spending some quality time with his family over the festive period.
“It wasn’t too much of a break, because I was still doing plenty of training,” Longer said.
“It was important to keep the motor going to make sure I was ready to get back into it when I got back.”
“But it was great catching up with everyone. I spent nearly every day by the pool and just having a good time with family and friends.”
You can see photos of the first year Lions players at the AFLPA Induction Camp by following the Club on Twitter.