Friday, 26 September 2008
Craig Rowston for essendonfc.com.au
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As part of Essendon’s commitment to having the best off-field development program for its players, the club today announced the appointment of Marcus Probert to the newly created position of athlete development co-ordinator.

Essendon managing director, Peter Jackson, said one of the main objectives of the role is to work closely with the young players, ensuring they have the support they need to become professional athletes.

The role also involves guidance and counselling; managing player transitions such as inductions, retirements and delistings; providing career planning support and utilising external support for players such as the Player Development Program provided by the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA).

“Marcus will join the club’s people and culture department - which is led by Leigh Russell - and his appointment is the next step in the people development strategy we commenced in 2006,” Jackson said.

“Essendon is committed to providing the best possible development resources for our players and having a team of highly qualified staff dedicated to helping our athletes maximise off-field opportunities is essential to our long-term on-field success.

“It is important our players understand they are professional athletes and not just footballers. Part of being professional is to adapt as quickly as possible to the AFL environment and to get the most out of it and yourself and Marcus will play an important role in ensuring this happens.”

The CEO of AFLPA, Brendon Gale, today welcomed the appointment.

“The AFLPA is committed to working with AFL clubs in order to assist AFL players realise their potential through the provision of education, training and personal development opportunities,” Mr Gale said.

“Naturally, the AFLPA is delighted that the Essendon Football Club has resourced an additional full-time qualified person so players can achieve their off-field career goals.”

Probert comes to Essendon from the Collingwood Football Club where he is currently the Education and Welfare Officer.

Until recently, he was Collingwood’s clubhouse supervisor. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), Bachelor of Arts / Psychology (Honours) and is just finishing his Masters in Applied Psychology (Sport Psychology).

Marcus has a solid background in welfare/youth services, including experience in providing guidance to young people who are in government care and drug and alcohol counselling.

“Marcus will be a great addition to Essendon’s People and Culture team, enabling them to strengthen the support they provide our athletes” Jackson said.

Probert will join Essendon on the 3rd November, 2008.

He is the latest in a number of key club appointments which includes Alan Richardson as an assistant coach (new position), Paul Hamilton as Football Operations Manager (new position) and Stuart Cormack as High Performance Coach (replacing John Quinn).

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