Fremantle first-year player Lachie Schultz said he gained an invaluable insight into what is to come in his career following the AFLPA/AFL Induction at Marvel Stadium this week.
Schultz was joined by fellow draftees Sam Sturt, Luke Valente, Brett Bewley, Tobe Watson and Jason Carter for the workshop on Monday and Tuesday.
The 2018 draft class heard from the likes of former Saints Justin Koschitzke and Leigh Montana.
“It’s been a massive help, just to get a little bit more knowledge and insight into what is expected of us and what we can expect from the AFLPA,” Schultz said.
“It’s been a massive help to be able to get it from the point of view of people who have been there.
“Justin spoke about the struggles he went through and how he overcame them. He spoke about what he would have liked to have known and changed when he had the opportunity, about decisions that could have prolonged his career.”
Schultz said he also took a lot from a Q&A with Sam McLarty, who spent two years on Collingwood’s list in 2017 and 2018 prior to being delisted.
“Sam had two years at Collingwood and never played a game,” Schultz said.
“He spoke about where he thought he went wrong and gave us an insight into where us draftees need to put our focuses on and what to expect so it doesn’t happen to us.”
The camp also covered a number of important issues that can affect players on and off the field.
“It covered a lot of areas, including ASADA, financial support and general support with our daily lives,” Schultz said.
“There was also illicit drug use, gambling and mental health. That was a big part of it - talking about not getting sucked into the expectation of being a tough guy. It’s more about being able to express your feelings and knowing that there’s support there if you need it."
The 21-year-old admitted it was hard to leave training behind for two days.
“We’re still at the stage of trying to gain respect and form relationships with all the other boys,” Schultz said.
“This camp has given us a massive insight, so we’ve definitely needed to be here, but at the same time we want to be back in Perth and training with our teammates.”
Schultz said the trip gave Freo’s first-years the chance to bond further.
“We’ve spent every minute together. We’re a very tight-knit group and we’ve stuck together the whole time,” Schultz said.
“It’s been good to develop those relationships even more than they already were, so it’s been great.”
The group will fly back to Perth on Tuesday night and will front up for training on Wednesday morning where Schultz said they will continue their push for a spot in the Fremantle lineup.
“I think my pre-season goals speak for all of us first-years. We’re all about getting that respect from our teammates and pushing our case for round one,” Schultz said.
“So far it’s been great. All the boys have been really welcoming, they’ve taken us right in.
“There’s still a long way to go but training has been great. We’re working hard and looking fitter and stronger than we were two months ago.
“There have been massive steps forward already but there’s still a long way to go.”
