After 265 games, Richmond’s Joel Bowden will walk away from the game after the 2009 season with numerous accolades and achievements to his name.  On the field Joel has enjoyed a distinguished career that included honours such as All-Australian selection in 2005 and 2006 and Jack Dyer medals (Richmond's best & fairest) in 2004 and 2005.

Away from Punt Road, Joel was elected AFLPA President in 2007 after first becoming involved with the association in 2000 as Richmond's Alternate Delegate. In 2001, Joel became the Tigers AFLPA Delegate and in 2005 he joined the AFLPA's Executive Committee.

A driving force behind the Ladder project, Joel worked with Daniel Jackson and Adam Pattison as association’s representatives at Punt Road in 2009.

On the Ladder initiative:  The AFLPA in a joint venture with the AFL Foundation and State and Federal Governments has developed Ladder as our response to youth homelessness.  This project is now gaining real momentum with young people currently moving into our site at 15 Hoddle Street in Melbourne to start their own transition from disadvantage. 

Ladder is important because homelessness on the whole requires a lot of action and we are trying, in conjunction with various partners, to contribute by housing a number of young people while delivering training programs and mentoring that can enhance a young persons chance of transitioning from disadvantage. Check out Ladder here

On the accomplishments of the AFLPA so far:  The AFLPA has always been a member based association and therefore the role predominantly has been to attain fair and reasonable conditions for players. On the whole we have negotiated well with the relevant bodies and the players are now rewarded according to the value of the product they produce. 

Free Agency is currently an issue that the AFLPA is working through and one that could very well be the biggest accomplishment of the AFLPA in the future. Free agency will give players the best chance to secure contracts and gain the market rate for their services and hopefully we will see a deal that is both fair and reasonable for players and clubs in the near future. 

On my role as president:  In my time as President the AFLPA has been able to set the standard in many areas. We have implemented a voluntary Illicit Drugs Policy that goes above and beyond the WADA drug code, which was voted for by the Executive Committee to ensure the welfare and health of AFL players is remains paramount. 

Other proud moments of my time as president would definitely include the implementation of the Past Player membership program and the continued improvement and prominence of the MVP awards (the only award voted for by the players).

On assisting retired players: Assistance for retired players has become more important as football takes up more time during the week, therefore making it harder to pursue other interests away from the game.

As a recently retired player I know that the transition is confronting, however if you can surround yourself with quality people and use the wide range of skills you have learnt from being involved in a professional organisation, you can transition out of football into a space that is positive and rewarding. 

On my best advice for new players: My advice is to do the best you can and work hard but keep it all part of a holistic approach and don’t make football the centre of your life.

Having family, friends, work and or study as part of your approach can really be a benefit while playing but will no doubt enhance your skills for the rest of your life post football.  Also I’d recommend players listen and take in every piece of advice during their career, remembering that advice is for you to consider and then make the best decision you can. 

On my interests away from the game: I enjoy a wide range of activities away from the football including spending time with the family, working at a cafe I hold a share in, social cricket, swimming and most recently going to the snow for the first time.