Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd and former Sydney Swans player Michael O’Loughlin and have accepted new roles with the AFL.
Lloyd, who announced his retirement last week, has joined the AIS-AFL Academy as a mentor assistant coach.
O’Loughlin, who retired last month after a decorated career, will lead and develop the AFL Indigenous Program, as well as assisting with High Performance and Talent programs.
Both are in Canberra attending an AIS-AFL Academy Camp.
""Both Michael’s and Matthew’s records in Australian Football are absolutely outstanding and their strong leadership qualities on and off the field are equally well known,"" AFL General Manager - Development David Matthews said.
""We are delighted that Michael and Matthew have joined us to play a pivotal role engaging and developing the next generation of elite young talent in our game.
“Michael in particular will work with young indigenous players and players with diverse multicultural backgrounds,"" he said.
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AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker welcomed the appointments and acknowledged O’Loughlin and Lloyd’s valuable experience.
“The AIS is delighted with these appointments. Their personal qualities and expertise will provide a significant contribution to AFL – particularly in respect of player development,” said Professor Fricker.
Matthew Lloyd said he was excited by the opportunity to assist in the development of the next generation of AFL players. Also the chance to make a significant contribution to the game that provided him so much has been a major attraction to this position.
“After 15 seasons at the Essendon Football Club I believe I’m well placed to assist young men with not only their football development but help them become better people,” he said.
Michael O’Loughlin said he was looking forward to the next stage of his career with the AFL and developing young players.
“After 15 years at the Sydney Swans I’m really pleased I can continue my involvement in Australian Football in a meaningful way. I’m very excited about contributing to the development of AFL talent, as well as engaging communities and people who may be new to the game.
“Australian Football has been a huge part of my life and I’m eager to pass on my knowledge and experience, guiding the next generation of players to the elite level,” said Mr O’Loughlin.
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