Think you need to be on the field to make an impact in the world of AFL? Think again.

We spoke to two ACU alumni about their roles in the AFL, their favourite aspects of their jobs and how their studies at ACU paved the way to their current careers.

Adam Pattison

Head of Commercial, Australian Football League Players’ Association

What is your current role and what does it involve on a day-to-day basis?

My current role is responsible for generating revenue for the business. This has previously been generated from external partners via sponsorships, licensing activities and events. Into the future my role will involve pitching partnership packages to prospective companies, developing proposals, managing a team of staff, creating and running events, meeting with the AFL licensing team and their licensees, dealing with player ambassador deals with talent management companies and executing partnership deliverables such as video content, player appearances, social media campaigns, PR/ media activity and competitions.

What is the best part or your favourite thing about your job?

The favorite thing about my job is signing new partnerships, which usually occurs after a long period of brainstorming, strategising, meeting and developing a strategy with a company and then refining and negotiating the agreement. This is the most rewarding part of the job which comes with more rejections and disappointments, so it is important to celebrate the wins!

How did your studies at ACU prepare you for your job?

I believe that my time at ACU helped develop my thought process when approaching projects and presentations. Whilst I am not implementing the specific learnings from each unit on a daily basis, I believe [they] train your mind to think creatively and prepare you for similar situations which can be transferrable to my working career. In my role, I work closely with other staff in my own team and other departments within the business. The interaction within lectures, tutorials and group assignments definitely helps me in this role. I haven’t actually worked in a marketing specific role, which was my major of my Business degree. However, in my commercial role I am often pitching to marketing managers and senior management roles, so it is important to understand the specifics to their role and industry.

Who do you think is going to win the Grand Final and why?

It has been the most even season in the history of the competition with the new expansion teams in Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney, therefore it is quite difficult to predict what will happen based on previous history. However, I believe that Sydney will bounce back after the disappointment of losing last year’s Grand Final and continue their stunning comeback from being 0-6 to start this season. I would love to see Richmond win the premiership though and see the Tiger Army in full force!

Alexa Ward

Finance Assistant and Administration Officer, Richmond Football Club

What is your current role and what does it involve on a day-to-day basis?

My current role with Richmond Football Club is Finance Assistant/Administration Officer. I work as part of our finance team assisting with accounts payable for Richmond FC and managing accounts payable for Wantirna Club, our gaming venue, and Aligned Leisure, a group of leisure centres that we manage in both the Cardinia and Eltham Shires. Depending on how the team is performing each weekend dictates how the week plays out. When everything is going well, each week is busy and everyone is upbeat around the office with little media attention. In comparison when we have a tough week on the field, being Richmond we tend to attract a lot of attention in the media and everyone feels a lot of pressure day-to-day.

What is the best part or your favourite thing about your job?

The best part about my job is that no day is ever the same. Being in the elite sporting environment and being one of the biggest clubs in Melbourne, we are constantly in the spotlight and always have great things going on, with many great opportunities for our staff. Over the five seasons I've been with Richmond we've had a myriad of actors, musicians and comedians come to the club, from Seth Rogan to most recently Zara Larsson, which always makes for an exciting day. We also have fantastic programs with community and multicultural engagement which means there is always opportunities for us to help out and be involved with the club.

How did your studies at ACU prepare you for your job?

Aside from spending many great years with ACU and making many lifelong friends, my studies prepared me well to be able to confidently enter the workforce upon completion of my degree. One of the great things was the volunteer work we undertook during study. I was fortunate enough to work with The Huddle, who are part of North Melbourne Football Club. The Huddle was established in 2009 with support of the Scanlon Foundation in partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation. The education programs are designed to help promote multiculturalism and strengthen social cohesion across the community with a focus on the north-west corridor of Melbourne. This allowed me to develop my skills with students from a variety of backgrounds and gave me a great opportunity to experience something that I probably wouldn't have done if it wasn't for my studies. I also continued volunteering with them until I had completed my degree. Throughout my subjects with ACU we completed many group assignments which help create a workplace-like environment and exposed students to how to work with colleagues. The professional nature of teachers gives you a feel for what it will be like moving into large organisations when you begin to work with other professionals.

Who do you think is going to win the Grand Final and why?

After the great season we have had I am of course hopeful that it will be Richmond holding the Premiership Cup when the final siren sounds on Grand Final day. My alternate team is the Sydney Swans. Although they had a slow start to the season, they have finished the back half of the season strongly and I believe they have a mix of exceptional talent and combined with the finals experience this will place them in good stead to be extremely competitive during September. They will be out to redeem themselves after coming so close last season.

Want to hear about more of our alumni who are working with the AFL? Read our interviews with Exercise Science graduates who are making waves in the football scene.