HAD Education Presents
2026 Recruiting Masterclass
Interviewing and Investigating Talent with Simon Dalrymple (HAD & St Kilda FC), Liam Woodland (Fremantle FC), Chris Keane (Sydney FC), and Adam Shepard (West Coast FC).
Are you
Interested in a career in AFL recruiting or talent identification?
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A parent wanting to understand what AFL clubs really look for?
Join us for our 2026 Recruiting Masterclass: Interviewing and Investigating talent featuring an exceptional panel of senior AFL Recruiters and List Managers.
This exclusive, in-person masterclass provides direct access to four experienced AFL recruiters/list managers, offering rare insight into how talent is identified, assessed, and investigated at the highest level of the game.
Participants also have the opportunity to network with the Expert Panel Members following the formal presentation, with time allocated for informal discussion and Q&A.
What You’ll Learn
How AFL clubs identify talent at different ages and stages.
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How interviews are used to assess character, mindset, and development potential.
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What parents and athletes should (and shouldn’t) focus on during the recruiting journey.
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The key traits recruiters look for beyond on-field performance.
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Plus, an invaluable opportunity to network with all four recruiters in an informal setting, allowing you to ask questions about career pathways, recruiting insights, and how young athletes can stand out and improve their draft prospects.
Places are limited - Book yours here!
Meet our Expert Panellists
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Simon Dalrymple
Talent Identification and Player Movement Manager -
St Kilda Football Club
Simon has been an AFL Recruiting Manager for 17 years. Simon currently works with St Kilda Football Club, previously the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs. His time as the Development Manager at the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup combined with a long history in education and coaching makes Simon the ideal person to help aspiring recruiters, athletes and coaches to learn how to identify young Football talent, and furthermore how to develop that talent to give payers the best chance of being recruited. -
Chris Keane
Head of List Strategy and Player Personnel -
Sydney Football ClubChris has worked across football analysis and list management for over a decade. He joined the Sydney Swans in 2018 after working as a performance and opposition analyst at the GWS Giants Football Club. Since arriving at Sydney, Chris has progressed through both the analysis and recruiting departments and now leads the club’s List Strategy and Player Personnel function. He brings strong expertise in identifying talent through data and analysis, and in translating those insights into the evaluation of highly draftable, high-character players.
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Adam Shepard
Draft Strategy and Player Movement Manager -
West Coast Football ClubAdam brings 15 years of experience in talent identification and AFL recruiting. He joined the West Coast Eagles in January 2025, after a long tenure at Collingwood Football Club where he served as National Talent ID Manager. Adam commenced his recruiting career at Collingwood in 2010 where he played a key role in identifying, assessing, and acquiring AFL talent. His experience across recruiting and list management provides strong insight into the increasingly complex draft and player movement landscape.
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Liam Woodland
Recruiting and List Management - Fremantle Football Club
Liam brings 14 years of recruiting experience at AFL level. He joined Fremantle Football Club in early 2024 after an extensive tenure at Geelong Football Club, where he worked as a talent scout. Liam offers deep insight into how AFL clubs identify, assess, and project talent across elite football pathways.
Book your place.
Course Dates: Monday, 2nd March 2026
Time: 7PM - 9PM
Cost: $250 (incl. GST)
Location: Mont Albert Reserve, Dunloe Ave, Mont Albert North (VIC)
HAD Football’s Simon Dalrymple Featured in One of Australia's Leading Football Podcasts, SEN Breakfast
Simon Dalrymple speaks to SEN Breakfast about our HAD Football Talent Course.