St Kilda young gun Nasiah-Wanganeen Milera and Crows leadership group member Wayne Milera are highlighting preparation for life away from footy with the AFL Players' Association.
The pair have been named inaugural First Nations Education Ambassadors for the player body's collaboration with Torrens University Australia.
More than 100 AFLPA members have enrolled in TUA courses since 2020, with Wanganeen-Milera and Milera are currently engaged with a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) and Graduate Certificate of Business Administration respectively.
"It's imperative we continue to support and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who make our game great," AFLPA acting chief executive Regan Bunny said.
"It's equally important that we invest in providing development opportunities for our members so they can grow as people and as professionals away from the field.
"Wayne and Nasiah are incredibly deserving of this opportunity, and we're thrilled this partnership is helping them on their journeys. We'd like to thank Torrens University Australia for their continued support and helping create opportunities for our members."
Both players said they were set on their education having broader community benefits.
Milera said "Ultimately, I want the best for my community and would love to see more Indigenous people in senior roles within businesses and organisations, as well as football".
Wanganeen Milera said he would "love to one day explore a leadership position within the Indigenous community and use what I've learned to coach and mentor Indigenous youth".
TUA deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Dominique Parrish said they are "honoured" to see the two be inaugural First Nations Ambassadors.
"Their commitment to education and their communities is truly inspiring, and we are proud to play a role in their academic and professional development," Prof. Parrish said.
"Our partnership with the AFLPA reflects our dedication to providing accessible education and fostering leadership among our First Nations people.
"We believe in the power of education to transform lives and create lasting impact."
