One of the most respected leaders in the game, AFLPA Executive member and Geelong skipper Tom Harley was named captain of the year in 2008 to complement his All-Australian selection.  A key component of Geelong's formidable backline, Tom has played 188 games after his debut in 1998 with Port Adelaide.

Tom is joined by Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood as the AFLPA's representatives at Skilled Stadium in 2009.  

On other sports I enjoy: I love all sports and played everything when I was youngster. I was lucky enough to travel to England with the school cricket team way back in 1995. Now, football is the only sport I play but I'm still a sports nut. SportsCenter on ESPN is my "must watch program" and I'm a massive fan of the Boston Redsox and New England Patriots.

On connecting with teammates: There is no doubt that connecting with team mates is one of the pillars to good leadership. Building relationship both on the field and off the field is really important. I always try to take the time to find out how my teammates are travelling at home and with their personal life. I love talking to people and generally chewing the fat. The AFLPA has a fantastic network of services for our players and I always encourage our players to utilise the services, either directly, or through our PDM, Ron Watt.

On the importance of community work: Geelong, being the town that it is, it's really important that we connect with the local community. As players, we are probably more accessible to the community than perhaps those at Melbourne based clubs. Many of the boys do charity work off there own bat and don't necessarily get the recognition others might - nor do they seek it. Joel Corey invites underprivileged kids to games, Gary Ablett is a starlight ambassador and Cam Mooney has a very special relationship with a young lad named Caleb with an extremely rare and blinding eye condition. Whatever motivation the player draws on to get involved in community work is irrelevant, what matters is they give their time, always.

On the best way to relax: It is super important to find ways to relax and personally I know how recharged I can feel from just one day off training. If I'm really feeling the pinch of training and playing I might schedule a day where I clear my diary and really do nothing i.e. have a day at home where I really get to know myself!!! As I mentioned earlier, I love my American sports and given the chance I'll submerge myself in a Redsox match.

On playing football in Geelong: I love playing football for Geelong in Geelong. Our supporters are so passionate and we feel as if we have a distinct home ground advantage. I live in Torquay which is 20kms out of Geelong so I feel I blessed to be able to work and play for such a great club, give it my all whilst I'm at the club and then have the good fortune to jump in the car and head down the surf coast highway. The surf coast people really respect our privacy and are always positive and have a great outlook on life.