The AFL Players’ Association has announced the appointment of Luke Ball as its President, and Matthew Pavlich as Vice President.

The announcement came following the 2012 Annual General Meeting where GWS Giants co-captain Luke Power stepped down from the role of President.

AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis said the transition of Luke Ball (who joined the board in 2007) from the Vice President role to President was a testament to the strength of the board and its succession planning.

“Luke and Matthew have been outstanding representatives for the Players’ Association in their roles of delegates and board members.  The appointment of a President and Vice President from different sides of Australia means the Association will continue to have strong representation on issues that affect all players.

“I would like to thank retiring President Luke Power for his on-going contribution to the Players’ Association. Luke has worked tirelessly in his role as President, and has set exemplary standards across the board, and the outcomes achieved during the CBA will demonstrate the legacies Luke has left to the game for a long time to come.”

New Players’ Association President Luke Ball said he was honoured to be appointed to the role.

“As President of the AFL Players’ Association I look forward to engaging with all members to ensure players’ voices continue to be heard throughout the competition and to maintain unity.

“With the new CBA now being implemented, I will work closely with the board and executive to ensure that the benefits that have been secured for players continue to grow, and strive for outcomes that ensure AFL remains the sporting career of choice for athletes in Australia.

“The Players' Association has never been better placed to pursue our vision to be a respected champion of the game,” said Ball.

Incoming Vice President Matthew Pavich, a board member since 2010, echoed Ball’s vision.

“Having served the last few years on the board of the Players’ Association, I recognise the importance of the role of the playing group in voicing their support for key issues that affect players.

“As we continue into 2012 I look forward to working closely with the wider playing group to continue to tackle key issues affecting all players so that we can create legacies in the game that last long after we have retired,” said Pavlich.

Outgoing President Luke Power congratulated Ball and Pavlich, and said the Players’ Association was in strong hands, “Having worked with Luke and Matthew on the board for the past few seasons I am confident that the Players’ couldn’t be in better hands.

“I would like to thank all who have supported me in my time as President, particularly Matt Finnis and the Board, and I look forward to supporting the board and wider playing group in my new role as a player and Assistant Coach at Greater Western Sydney.