Are you interested in working in Australian Rules Football recruiting or talent identification?
Or are you a parent of an aspiring footballer wanting a clearer understanding of what AFL clubs actually look for when assessing and recruiting players?
Join us for the HAD Recruiting Masterclass: Interviewing and Investigating talent featuring an exceptional panel of senior AFL recruiters and List Managers: Simon Dalrymple (HAD & St Kilda FC), Liam Woodland (Fremantle FC), Chris Keane (Sydney FC), and Adam Shepard (West Coast FC)!
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. Attendance is strictly limited to 30 participants, with tickets available only while capacity remains.
The panel will unpack:
How AFL clubs identify talent at different ages and stages
The key traits recruiters look for beyond on-field performance
How interviews are used to assess character, mindset, and development potential
What parents and athletes should (and shouldn’t) focus on during the recruiting journey
Participants will also have the opportunity to network with the recruiters/list managers following the formal presentation, with time allocated for informal discussion and Q&A.
This in person course is designed to equip participants with essential Football talent identification skills and insights into player development.
Course Dates: Monday, 7th March 2026
Time: 7PM - 9PM
Cost: $250
Location: Mont Albert Reserve, Dunloe Ave, Mont Albert North (VIC)
Note* Participants must be 18+ years of age.
Our Expert Panellists:
Simon Dalrymple 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 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.
Adam Shepard 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 and played a key role in identifying, assessing, and acquiring AFL talent under long-time recruiting lead Derek Hine. His experience across recruiting and list management provides strong insight into the increasingly complex draft and player movement landscape.
Liam Woodland 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.
Questions? Email bek.comand@hadfootball.com.au for more details.