The Sydney Swans’ 2018 draftees will on Monday and Tuesday attend a camp aimed at introducing them to player welfare.
The AFL Players’ Association/AFL Induction Camp will see the seven recently recruited Swans join the first-year footballers from every other club at the two-day event at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
Sydney’s draftees will on Monday learn about the support, resources and education programs available to them throughout their AFL careers, while Tuesday will cover anti-doping, match-fixing, respectful relationships and a number of other key areas.
November’s AFL and Rookie Drafts saw the Swans sign Nick Blakey, James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney, Zac Foot, Durak Tucker, Harry Reynolds and Sam Wicks.
McInerney, who penned a deal with Sydney via its third-round selection at the AFL Draft, says he appreciates the enormous amount of guidance available.
“It’s very comforting to have so much support early on,” McInerney told Swans Media.
“With all of this help, you know you’re not going to make a silly decision that puts your career in danger.
“It’ll be very important to learn about what you can and can’t do. For instance, with anti-doping, what you can put in your body and what you can’t.”
The Northern Knights product said he had settled in early in his time in red and white.
“All the boys are very welcoming and all the coaches are down to earth, so I’m getting to know everyone very easily,” McInerney said.
“I’m getting more work done on the track now too, with more drills and match-play scenarios, so I’m getting more involved and putting in some hard work.”