Speaking on the AFL Exchange podcast, Drew Petrie has explained the role of the player managers.

“To people it’s probably a ‘sexy role’ that everyone wants to do. Managers can strut around and think they’re bigger than the game itself,” Petrie said.

The reality of the role is somewhat different. Depending on the player himself, managers can be responsible for any number of tasks. The primary role is to negotiate a player’s contract.

However a person can’t become an agent with the click of their fingers. There is a set process that has to be done.

“You can’t just walk off the street and say ‘I’m a player’s agent.’ The Players Association regulates and accredits all agents; there’s 89 currently across the country.

“Once a year, people can apply to become an agent. The AFLPA has a committee that looks at all the applications and has the final say.”

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The relative experience of a player also influences how much work an agent does with his client.

“I know of players where their money basically gets paid into a trust that their manager then drip feeds them,” Petrie said.

While it may seem excessive on the surface, such a measure prevents players from wasting the money earned during their AFL careers.

“You hear stories all the time about some players walking away after 10 years, on reasonable money, with absolutely zero.

“That’s why some players need their managers to be really active in their day-to-day stuff and almost have the right to hand them their money.”