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VELOCITY SPORTS NEWS

Voss joins AFL/AIS Academy

Thursday, 22 November, 2006

Michael Voss has taken his first step down the retirement path by accepting a part-time coaching role with the AIS-AFL Academy Squad.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou today announced that Voss had accepted a 12-month contract to work with assistant AIS-AFL Academy coach Alan McConnell and his part-time assistant coaches Jason McCartney and Leon Harris.

The deal was clinched after Voss met with McConnell, who coached Fitzroy in their last official game in 1996, and AFL Game Development Manager David Matthews in Werribee on Monday night before Voss addressed an AFL dinner with key stakeholders.

Demetriou said he was delighted the triple premiership captain and Brownlow Medallist had has chosen to continue his involvement in the game with the AIS-AFL Academy.

"The AIS-AFL Academy is celebrating its tenth year in 2006 and this will enhance the program s outstanding reputation and extend its success into the next decade," he said. "The Academy is a vital component of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program that seeks to develop the future generations of AFL Stars. For our 30 young scholarship holders to have the opportunity to work with a person of Michael's calibre is invaluable.

"Michael Voss is one of the icons of the modern game and has been an inspiration to a generation of young footballers. Now he can pass on what it takes to succeed as a player and leader at the highest level to the next generation."

Voss, who retired after playing in the recent International Rules series in Ireland and still non-committal on other activities next year, said he was thrilled to take the next step of his football career with the Academy.

"This is a toe in the coaching water and a terrific opportunity to work with the elite young AFL players of tomorrow and to pass on my experience of the past 15 years," he said. "I'm really impressed with what they are doing and the thorough grounding they are giving the players. Hopefully I can give something to the program, because it will certainly serve as a good learning experience for me to see the workings of another elite operation outside the Brisbane Lions."

Voss will attend the Academy's four camps, starting with a visit to Canberra early next month, and will help coach the squad during their international tour in 2007.

The AIS-AFL Academy offers 30 AIS scholarships following the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships. The Academy offers expert and personal skill development from the Australian Institute of the Sport and the AFL for 12 months and involved the opportunity to represent Australia at an Under 17 level in an International Youth Series.