Ricky Nixon

A former player with Hawthorn, Carlton and St. Kilda, Ricky established Flying Start in 1994 following the completion of his business and marketing degree.

Today he acts as Managing Director and is recognised as the pioneer of AFL player management. He was instrumental in the negotiation and preparation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and through his marketing initiative he was able to secure the rights and opportunities to top line footballers in Australia, which previously did not exist or were not available to the players. Ricky previously was on both the AFL Players Association Board and the AFL Players Accredited Agents Board and was recently listed in the Top 10 individuals who have influenced the game the most over the past decade.

info@flyingstart.com.au

(03) 9615 5155

Paul Yeomans

Paul has successfully studied both commerce and law at the University of Adelaide. Upon completing university Paul worked as a commercial lawyer whilst helping to grow the Adelaide office of Flying Start. Paul has now moved out of the legal sector and is concentrating entirely on ensuring the success of Flying Start and its players Australia wide. Paul had a successful schoolboy sporting career at Sacred Heart College in South Australia. He was Vice Captain of the First 18 Football team and Captain of the Independent Schools Sports Association Representative Football Team. After school Paul continued his football career at the Glenelg Football Club in the SANFL, where he was appointed Captain of the U/19's before representing the club at reserves level. Paul's youth and credentials see him ideally positioned to deal with the day to day requirements of our players and commercial aspects of their business.

pauly@flyingstart.com.au

(03) 9615 5155

Carlie Merenda

Carlie became an Accredited Agent in 2006 and is one of the most qualified and experienced talent co-ordinators within the sports management industry. Hailing from Perth, Carlie entered the industry in 1997 as Competitions Manager at Western Australian Athletics. Carlie is the sister of former Richmond and West Coast player Mark Merenda and her network throughout Western Australia remains important to Flying Start's Australia wide approach to management. In 2003, Carlie moved east to take up a position at the Richmond Football Club. Here Carlie developed a natural rapport with the players whilst also refining her organisational skills. After spending some time at Richmond, Carlie progressed to Flying Start where she has become an instrumental member of the team approach to management. Carlie's skills and personality see her ideally placed to deal with a range of issues both in player management and talent co-ordination.

carliem@flyingstart.com.au

(03) 9615 5155

Craig Vozzo

Craig is a partner at Fisher Jeffries Barristers and Solicitors. He has over 10 years experience as a commercial lawyer.

Craig played his junior football at the West Adelaide Football Club and in 1988 he was awarded the Tomkins Medal for the best and fairest player in the SANFL under 19 competition. He went on to represent both the West Adelaide Football Club and the Port Adelaide Football Club at reserves level before embarking on his full time legal career.

Whilst practising law Craig managed to successfully continue his football career at A1 Amateur League level having played over 100 senior games and representing the SA Amateur League Football Team on several occasions.

Craig's extensive experience in commercial and property law means he is very well placed to assist players not only with their AFL playing and marketing contracts, but with their business arrangements and careers outside of football.

Craig successfully manages the careers of several AFL Players including Scott Camporeale and Steven Salopek.

craigv@flyingstart.com.au

Adrian Battiston

Adrian is a partner at Fisher Jeffries Barristers and Solicitors. He has been working in the areas of commercial law and litigation since 1999.

Adrian played a total of 105 VFL/AFL games for the Melbourne Football Club and the Sydney Swans Football Club between 1982 and 1989. In 1990, Adrian moved to South Australia and played for the Glenelg Football Club until his retirement in 1992.

Life after football has been both interesting and varied for Adrian . In addition to practising as a lawyer, Adrian held the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Glenelg Football Club between 1997 and 1998. He has also been an accredited AFL Player Agent since 1996 and has successfully managed the careers of several players including Andrew McKay and Matthew Liptak.

Given his unique position as both a former AFL player, football administrator and commercial lawyer, Adrian is very well placed to provide practical advice and management to footballers and their families.

adrianb@flyingstart.com.au