Fisher: Passionate about player advocacy

Former AFL footballer Brad Fisher has joined the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) as its Cricket Operations and Player Relations Manager.

Fisher played 99 games for Carlton from 2002-2010, before leading the AFL Players’ Association’s Alumni (Past Player Program) for several years.

It was during his time on contract for Carlton where Fisher first developed his passion for player advocacy, serving as a player delegate for the AFLPA over a four year period.

“I was an AFLPA delegate while playing, which introduced me to the passion I have for athlete advocacy now. The role of a Players’ Association is to ensure the best possible workplace, environment and appropriate conditions for players, which I understand and have been involved in for some time now. But more than that, they allow players to have a voice and allow players to support the industry to grow and evolve.”

Still involved in AFL as an assistant coach is Carlton’s AFLW set-up, Fisher said he was looking forward to a new challenge in a different sport.

“From a personal perspective, I was at that stage professionally where I felt ready to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. I know that I am still passionate about the athlete’s experience having worked in AFL full-time for more than 17 years, but I was interested in a change of scenery and felt as though I had a lot to offer from previous experience and importantly, for me, a lot to learn.

“Growing up in Melbourne, it was footy in the winter and cricket in summer, so the privilege of a working career that has included both sports is not lost on me. The balance of cricket operations and player relations was also something that really appealed.”

Fisher identified the rapid growth of the female game as a key motivator behind his reasons for wanting to join the ACA.

“Right now I’m really excited about women’s cricket. To see 87,000 fans at the World Cup Final was just brilliant and I’m really keen to help continue that momentum in the coming years.

"I’m just looking forward to restrictions easing so I can get to know our members and get into the office to get around everyone properly.:

ACA General Manager - Cricket Operations and Player Relations Brendan Drew said:

"Having played AFL football, headed up the Alumni (Past player program) at the AFLPA and being an assistant coach at Carlton AFLW, Brads experiences set him up for success in the role of Cricket Operations and Player Relations Manager.

"A month into the role Brad has already made some positive contributions to the ACA team and will no doubt provide a great support for our players."