AFL SportsReady welcomes back Marcus Drum

After being away from the organisation for two years to work at Port Adelaide Football Club as Player Development Manager, Marcus Drum has returned to AFL SportsReady as AFL Programs Officer.

Aside from helping young Australians develop careers through traineeships and educational opportunities, AFL SportsReady also delivers programs for AFL players to help them transition in and out of the game.

Marcus’s new role involves delivering and managing the Football induction program, where AFL players are equipped with the skills they need to cope with the demands of AFL Football both on and off the field.

‘I’m really looking forward to this new journey with AFL SportsReady. Having been immersed in the AFL industry for so long I feel I’m definitely ready to take on this new role.’ Said Marcus.

Since its inception in 2006 the AFL football induction program has been recognised by AFL clubs as the leading induction program. This year 16 of 18 AFL clubs are involved in the program, with 99 players under taking the training.

‘I manage the Certificate III in Sport Career Orientated Participation (COP) which is an essential part of the player’s induction. It covers components such as fitness, diet, media training, finance, well-being which are all crucial to the development of the player.’

Marcus played professional Football for Fremantle and Geelong before working for AFL SportsReady in 2012 as Project officer for AFL programs. He made his move to the West in 2013 and worked at Port Adelaide Football Club for two and half years.

‘My time at Port Adelaide Football club really set me up for the role here. I was responsible for mentoring players offering welfare and well-being support,’ said Marcus.

‘The best part about being Player Development Manager was building relationships with players and forming close bonds where they develop a trust in you. Although my new role is different, I will be taking on the skills and teachings from Port Adelaide with me,’ he added.

Apart from being the best person for the role, it was the organisation itself that had Marcus walking back through the doors.

'One of the main reasons I wanted to come back to AFL SportsReady is the culture. Everyone is friendly and supportive of each other and there is always a lively and happy atmosphere in the office. Everyone is passionate about that they do and that's what makes the work environment here so appealing,’ explained Marcus.

'Coming back after two years, I've seen the organisation grow rapidly. Not just in staff but the AFL programs they offer, the partners that have come on board and the trainees they are taking on. Everything looks really positive and I'm glad to be a part of it all again.’

We are pleased to have Marcus back and look forward to working with him again.

DATE: 2nd February 2016

ARTICLE BY: MARISSA PAGLIARELLO