What a complete load of whiny, pompous shite.
They are getting payed to train and play AFL.
"..few clubs provide legitimate opportunities for players to pursue other education or employment interests." - The club is paying you to play AFL, just as my employer is paying me to do a job.
When I was 18 I joined the defence force, I didn't have a degree or any higher education at that time. I was away for up to 9 months a year and still managed to complete a degree. I'm sure Mr Ablett, while being cosy at home, could have helped himself with his own education.
I can't believe a person who was fortunate enough to get payed to play a sport has the nerve to talk about sacrifices. Sacrifices come in many forms, being an AFL player is not one of them.
"Most elite footballers, however, will not reach the heights theyd hoped for or attain the career they dreamed of. When their expectations are not met, life can quickly become lonely and disappointing." - At least they got a chance, how about those people who wanted to be a doctor, a pilot or an architect however couldn't afford the education or didn't get high enough grades?
I'm sure he still enjoyed attending family and friends birthdays and Christmases. Give a thought for those who miss those things, year in year out. Those people who lost there lives fighting overseas. That's sacrifice, not getting payed to play AFL.