50th Anniversary
Introduction
While the Association officially formed in 1973, the traditions of player welfare and unity date as far back as 1911, when the VFL was forced to legalise match payments.
Core issues that related strictly to players continued to accumulate as the years progressed, leading to many attempts to formally create a footballers’ union. Although many were unsuccessful, the momentum was building.
Of course, there were sections of the public who viewed the notion of unionists as trouble-makers, thus lessening the impact of the players’ collective.
In 1944 another attempt was made when Frank Reid, a former secretary of Essendon and a life member of the VFL, led the push for an organisation of past and present players and called it the Victorian Footballers’ Club. The aim was to promote social welfare and the economic advancement of its members.
In 1955, the Australian Football Players’ Union was formed following Glasgow-born Tom McNeil’s attempts to establish a players’ union, but they were eventually refused registration due to the VFL, VFA and Essendon Football Club opposing the application.
Payment models have always been a point of contention, and that was brought to a head in 1970 when Essendon players proposed a scheme of standardised payments, based on the number of years of service.
Present day
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2022
A historic payment
Read More +Read Less –The first payment of $55m to players from 2017-21 because of hard fought and historic revenue share agreement in 2017-22 CBA.
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An AFLW Milestone
Read More +Read Less –A major milestone is struck as AFLW players band together in a landmark agreement that increases the minimum player salary by 94 per cent as the competition is thrust into a second season in one calendar year. Under the new agreement player insurance was extended to include aligned second tier matches, the AFLW Pregnancy and Parental Support Policy was extended and the relocation allowance for players moving interstate was doubled.
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Board Player Parity
Read More +Read Less –The members of the AFL Players’ Association have approved the Board’s recommended changes to its Constitution and, in doing so, have achieved equal representation between current AFL and AFLW players on its Board, with the changes being passed at the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM). For the first time, the AFLPA Board will be made up of four current AFL players and four current AFLW players, alongside three independent members and the Association’s Chief Executive Officer. AFLW players Kerryn Peterson, Catherine Phillips and Isabel Huntington were elected to the Board.
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2020
State of Origin Returns
Read More +Read Less –The AFLPA Board donated $250,000 on behalf of AFL and AFLW players from the AFLPA’s AFL Players Care charity fund to support Australians affected by the 2019/20 bushfire disaster. Players also joined forces with the AFL to raise additional funds through a showcase game between Victoria and the All Stars on February 28, 2020 at Marvel Stadium.
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2019
COVID-19
Read More +Read Less –The pandemic plunged the industry into uncertainty, but the competition survived through the efforts of the playing group to keep the product going. The AFLPA’s role was critical in ensuring players had appropriate health and safety and financial protections while our members continued to give their all for the industry’s people and the Australian community during one of the toughest periods of our lives.
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The 2nd AFLW CBA
Read More +Read Less –In late 2019 a new AFLW CBA was signed, covering the 2020, 2021 and 2022 AFLW seasons, and securing an increase of 37 games, with additional pre-season and development hours for players and increased salaries.
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Racial Vilification Strategy
Read More +Read Less –Through discussions at the 2019 Indigenous All-Stars Summit, players and their Association unanimously decided to call out racial vilification on social media of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members as it occurs when previously the PA would contact individual players asking for their preferences when handling the incident. This resulted in a dramatic change in the way the industry supports players through incidents of racism online.
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2018
The Patrick Dangerfield Era
Read More +Read Less –At the 2018 AGM in March, Matthew Pavlich stood down from his role as the president after 10 years of service at the PA, including three years in the top job, and he was replaced by Patrick Dangerfield who had been a board member for four years.
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First AFLW CBA
Read More +Read Less –Following consecutive one-year pay deals for the first two seasons, the AFLPA negotiated an inaugural collective bargaining agreement for AFLW players that included a 38 per cent increase to total player payments with the minimum wage rising by 27.6 per cent to tie with minimum male footballer payments on a pro rata basis. Additional investment was also made in education and training grants, mental health and wellbeing, minimum medical standards, relocation allowances, technology at playing venues, and football ending injury expenses.
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2017
Daisy Pearce joins the Board
Read More +Read Less –The AFLPA’s governance structure changed allowing female and independent board members. AFLW star and former Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce was elected to the AFLPA Board at the 2016 AGM, becoming the first female Director in the Association’s 43-year history.
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The 8th CBA
Read More +Read Less –In June of 2017, the AFLPA finalised a new six-year collective bargaining agreement (2017-2022) for male players that tied to the industry’s revenue for the first time in the history of the game. This CBA delivered a $1.84 billion package to players that saw a 20 per cent increase to player payments in the first year of the deal. It also included the establishment of a Lifetime Health Care program for past players, that will aid with the costs of joint-related and dental procedures stemming from their football careers.
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2016
Welcoming the AFLW
Read More +Read Less –AFLPA was recognised as the official representative body for elite female footballers in 2016 and successfully negotiated their pay and conditions for AFLW players ahead of the inaugural season. In 2017, male players voted to approve a change in the constitution to allow female members to officially join the Association with full voting rights and mandated at least one AFLW player on the Board. Daisy Pearce was elected to this position.
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2015
The Matthew Pavlich Era
Read More +Read Less –Following Luke Ball stepping down from the role of president at the end of the 2014 season, AFLPA vice-president Matthew Pavlich was elected to the role.
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An Unprecedented Plea
Read More +Read Less –The captains of all 18 AFL clubs made an unprecedented plea to football fans to stop booing Sydney champion Adam Goodes.
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2014
Paul Marsh becomes CEO
Read More +Read Less –Following a stint at the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), Paul Marsh was announced as the new CEO of the AFLPA. He started in the role in September 2014.
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Players Care
Read More +Read Less –The players’ official charity initiative was established in 2014 when the male playing group voted to increase their match fee charity contributions from $25 to $50 per player, per game.
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2013
A better work-life balance
Read More +Read Less –With concerns being expressed about the amount of down time available to players and their diminishing ability to connect with ‘normal’ life, the AFLPA negotiates, with the support of the AFL, to place restrictions around pre-season training for the 2013-14 off-season. Clubs are not allowed to use GPS to monitor training loads during the players’ break, while one to four-year players return to training earlier than players with more experience. The association also argues successfully, with the co-operation of the AFL, for two byes per season.
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22Under22
Read More +Read Less –At the 2013 MVP Awards, the inaugural 22Under22 team was announced. Essendon’s Dyson Heppell was named as the side’s captain, with North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell selected as the vice-captain. Gold Coast had the most players selected in the inaugural team, with five Suns being picked – Jaeger O’Meara, Dion Prestia, Rory Thompson, Tom Nicholls & Trent McKenzie. The 22Under22 Team is an honorary representative Australian rules football team that seeks to recognise the best young talent in the Australian Football League (AFL) and AFL Women’s (AFLW) competitions each year. To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 or under for the entire season (including finals). An initial squad of 40 is selected by the AFL Players’ Board, before fans select a final team of 22 by voting via social media.
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2012
The Luke Ball Era
Read More +Read Less –Ahead of the 2012 season, Collingwood premiership midfielder Luke Ball was elected to the role of president. Ball had been on the board since 2007 and previously served as the vice-president.
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The Players’ Trust
Read More +Read Less –The Players’ Trust was established in 2012 when the current players decided to contribute part of their salaries into a fund to assist past players who are facing hardship due to injury or illness.
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2011
The Players’ stand as one
Read More +Read Less –Amid a tough negotiation with the AFL, the Players’ Association holds a meeting in June 2011 at Crown’s Palladium, with 400 players attending. The players reaffirm their support for the association’s negotiating position and backs it to stick to their objectives. Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich, an AFLPA delegate, described on the night the importance of the occasion: “It’s a groundbreaking and watershed moment for the AFL Players’ Association, having every single player attend a meeting,” Pavlich said. Six months later, a new CBA is announced with significant salary increases, as well as extended injury, well-being and retirement schemes. The AFLPA also wins the right to review the five-year agreement after three years.
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The Luke Power Era
Read More +Read Less –Ahead of the 2011 season, former Brisbane Lions triple premiership star and GWS Giants co-captain Luke Power was elected as the AFLPA’s 13th president.
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The 7th CBA
Read More +Read Less –A new five-year CBA was agreed to in 2011, delivering improved injury compensation, increased support for professional development and the establishment of Australia’s first sports annuity program (Player Retirement Scheme). A key moment in this CBA negotiation came in June of that year when more than 400 players packed into the Palladium at Crown, with another 300 on video link, as a show of unity.
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2010
The Brett Burton Era
Read More +Read Less –Adelaide forward Brett Burton was elected to the role of president.
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Free Agency
Read More +Read Less –In 2010, the AFLPA negotiated the introduction of Free Agency to give players the freedom to choose their employer after eight (restricted) and ten (unrestricted) years in the system, as of the 2012 season. In 2012, at the start of free agency for out-of-contract players with at least eight years’ service at an AFL club, Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin became the first player to hold an offer he could not refuse.
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2009
Matt Finnis becomes CEO
Read More +Read Less –On 13 October 2009, Matthew Finnis was named AFLPA Chief Executive Officer, replacing Brendon Gale who resigned from the position to become Richmond Football Club’s CEO. Finnis is a former sports lawyer with Lander & Rogers, advising sport and recreation organisations on insurance requirements, risk management and associated liability issues. In addition to that, he was the sponsorship services manager for the SunSmart and Quit campaigns following his work as a sporting administrator in basketball, sailing and surf lifesaving.
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2007
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The Joel Bowden Era
Read More +Read Less –Ahead of the 2007 season Richmond player Joel Bowden was elected to the role of president.
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Madden Medal
Read More +Read Less –In 2007, North Melbourne’s Glenn Archer was awarded the inaugural Madden Medal. Named in honour of two former AFLPA presidents, Justin and Simon Madden, the award recognises contribution to the game across on-field excellence, personal development and growth, as well as community spirit.
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Ladder
Read More +Read Less –AFL players Mark Bolton, Paul Licuria and Joel Bowden establish Ladder, a charity dedicated to supporting at-risk and homeless young people. In Ladder’s first year, the AFLPA committed $10 from every player’s weekly match payment as a donation and has since risen to $25 per player, per match. Ladder remains the Official Charity partner of all players and a tier one charity partner of the AFL.
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2006
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2005
Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP)
Read More +Read Less –Introduced the Illicit Drugs Policy to support the Anti-Doping Code (introduced in 1995), that governed AFL players.
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The Player Development Program
Read More +Read Less –In 2005, the AFL Players’ Association moved all services provided under the Player Development Program in-house, employing experts in the fields of education, player welfare and career transition.
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2004
Brendon Gale becomes CEO
Read More +Read Less –In 2004, Brendon Gale took over from Peter Mann as General Manager (Football). Following that, Kerr announced his resignation to the AFLPA Executive Committee after five years of service. Former Richmond player, AFLPA President and AFLPA General Manager (Football) Brendon Gale then took over as CEO.
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2003
The Peter Bell Era
Read More +Read Less –Ahead of the 2003 AFL season, Peter Bell was elected AFLPA president. Bell had served on the board since 1998.
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The 5th CBA
Read More +Read Less –Robert Kerr led the charge in negotiating the AFLPA’s 5th CBA, with the key principles reflecting a responsible attempt to balance the interest of the players with the realities facing the competition.
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2001
The Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship
Read More +Read Less –An early iteration of what is now known as Education & Training Grants, the AFLPA awarded scholarships to help young footballer’s aged between 15 and 17 in their education & training whilst they are aspiring toward an AFL career. The AFLPA awarded over 100 scholarships to players aged between 15 and 17 years, with past recipients including former Geelong champions Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood, Hawthorn and Sydney spearhead Lance Franklin and Essendon captain Dyson Heppell. About half the scholarship recipients have gone on to be drafted by an AFL club.
The scholarships are named after Carlton premiership captain, former AFLPA delegate and AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick. They have contributed more than $450,000 towards the development of young players in their academic and football pursuits. -
2000
The Brendon Gale Era
Read More +Read Less –Ahead of the 2000 season, Richmond player Brendon Gale was elected AFLPA president.
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Indigenous Camp
Read More +Read Less –Now a bi-annual event, the first camp was held in 2000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from across the league to come together on country to connect, learn and develop strategies to improve the football experience for all Indigenous players. Since 2000, the camp has been held across Australia, from Broome to Adelaide, and, for the first time in 2022, with AFLW and multicultural players in Geelong.
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1998
The 4th CBA
Read More +Read Less –The AFLPA’s 4th CBA was negotiated in 1998, running until 2003. The association developed a statement of purposes and objectives to assist with CBA negotiations. It also assembled an advisory board of industry leaders to direct the association into the future. The new objectives and purposes focused on the need to enhance the game of Australian football and ensure that players played a strong role in the development of the game, received fair terms and conditions, and were apportioned an equitable share of revenue. Through player feedback the association was able to identify the following key areas as its chart for the future: Player development; Retirement and Education and Training.
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Andrew Demetriou becomes CEO
Read More +Read Less –Former North Melbourne and Hawthorn player Andrew Demetriou was appointed as the new CEO. The new administration set about examining the views and wishes of players so that they could negotiate a new CBA (1998–2003) with the AFL. The association developed a statement of purposes and objectives to assist with CBA negotiations. It also assembled an advisory board of industry leaders to direct the association into the future. The new objectives and purposes focused on the need to enhance the game of Australian football and ensure that players played a strong role in the development of the game, received fair terms and conditions, and were apportioned an equitable share of revenue. Through player feedback the association was able to identify the following key areas as its chart for the future: Player development; Retirement and Education and Training.
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100% Membership
Read More +Read Less –25 years after the first VFLPA meeting, the Association achieved 100 per cent membership for the first time in its history. Representing all players from the 16 AFL clubs, the AFLPA continued to grow its support offering for the playing group by establishing a network of personal support and development services throughout Australia, creating the first Player Development Program.
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1997
Significant Change
Read More +Read Less –In 1997, the association underwent significant change. Long-serving president Justin Madden retired from football, and Fremantle’s Peter Mann took over the presidency. Peter Allen resigned as CEO after a twenty-year involvement.
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1995
The 3rd CBA
Read More +Read Less –In 1995, negotiations began on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new CBA period was from 1 November 1995 to 31 October 1998 and increased minimum salaries for season 1996 to $15,000 and match payments to $1,000 per senior game. These payments further increased to $20,000 and $1,500 in 1997, and $20,680 and $1,550 in 1998 respectively. The players gained an increase in the share of revenue from marketing activities and an increase in injury and illness benefits.
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1993
The Radisson Hotel
Read More +Read Less –On the 20th of January, 1993, a cohort of players met at the Radisson Hotel in Melbourne to discuss the withdrawal of recognition of the AFLPA b the AFL. The AFL had informed players that the Standard Playing Contract would no longer exist, and all contracts would be negotiated individually between the clubs and the players. The players again threatened strike action. In March 1993, the AFL and the AFLPA appeared before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC). At this hearing, it was determined a dispute did exist and the AIRC had jurisdiction to determine an Award. These negotiations lead to the CBA of 1994-1995.
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1992
The 2nd CBA
Read More +Read Less –In July 1992, the AFLPA negotiated a new CBA, which included a minimum salary of $7,500, minimum payments of $750 per senior game, and $250 for a reserves game. This signified the start of what was to be a key feature of AFLPA’s function.
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1990
The Justin Madden Era
Read More +Read Less –Succeeding his brother, Justin Madden was voted president of the AFLPA ahead of the 1990 season while playing for Carlton.
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The National Competition
Read More +Read Less –In 1990, the union’s name was changed to the AFL Players’ Association to mirror the national change in the competition. This year was also significant as it was the first year that a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)– then known as a Deed of Agreement – was negotiated.
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1987
The Simon Madden Era
Read More +Read Less –Former Essendon champion Simon Madden was president of the VFLPA from 1985 until 1989.
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1982
The Most Valuable Player
Read More +Read Less –Establishment of the Most Valuable Player Award, with Hawthorn champion Leigh Matthews winning the inaugural award. The players voted to name the award after Matthews in 2001. Voted on by the players, it has become a prestigious trophy awarded during the finals series. Gary Ablett junior has won five of the past seven awards. The AFLPA has also awarded the best first-year player (since 1988), the best captain award (since 1987) and the most courageous player (since 1991). In 2013, the AFLPA introduced the concept of naming the best 22 players aged 22 or under each year.
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1981
Threatening Strike Action
Read More +Read Less –Players threatened to boycott the scheduled Escort Cup night series match between Essendon and Fitzroy in 1981 because the VFL wanted to once again withdraw official recognition. The strike threat forces the VFL back to the negotiating table, where the rules relating to player contracts are being debated. The VFL moves to introduce Sunday football with the VFLPA asking for compensation. It wasn’t until two days before the 1981 season that the issue was resolved and the VFLPA was recognised. This period of negotiation is considered a significant turning point in the history of the association.
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1980
The Michael Moncrieff Era
Read More +Read Less –Hawthorn player Michael Moncrieff was elected President and made an immediate impact. In December 1980, representatives from the VFLPA met with the VFL to fight proposed significant wage cuts and a new system of payment to players. For the first time, the playing group was united in their opposition to VFL House and continued to shore up player support against the proposal.
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1978
Creche facilities at VFL Park
Read More +Read Less –The VFL notified the VFLPA and players that there was a room available at VFL Park for use as a creche. The only stipulation for the creche was that each club would provide their own nurse or carer to look after the children.
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State of Origin payments
Read More +Read Less –The VFL Board agreed to the VFLPA’s request for the proceeds for the State Of Origin match to be made available for players’ insurance.
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NMFC
Read More +Read Less –North Melbourne administrator Ron Joseph wrote to the VFLPA expressing the club’s disinterest in having their players join the Association. In the letter he wrote, ‘if your main complaint is that this club is disinterested in your Association then you are quite correct.’
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The Ron Alexander Era
Read More +Read Less –Fitzroy delegate Ron Alexander is elected to the role of president.
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1977
Geoff Pryor Trophy
Read More +Read Less –In the first issue of The Footballer from 1977, the VFLPA announced the Geoff Pryor Award. The award was an early iteration of an award for journalistic excellence and was awarded for the best written article as it appeared in the written media. Additionally, the VFLPA judged the best article from that month and the winner was awarded dinner for two as a top restaurant in Victoria.
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Most Courageous Player
Read More +Read Less –In 1977, the Herald Sun started awarding $1,000 to the player deemed by the VFLPA as the Most Courageous. Each moment a player was nominated by the VFLPA, announced in The Footballer magazine, and formed part of the yearly nominees.
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1976
Bob Hawke and the VFLPA
Read More +Read Less –In March 1976, Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke addressed the players at the AGM of the VFLPA. The Sun reported that night that Bob Hawke put his beer next to the lectern and rallied the troops saying, “I don’t want to suggest that you become a bunch of wild firebrands or radicals. But, I would like my affiliated unions to have the power you fellows have. You have an enormous amount of power… it’s incredible.”
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The Don Scott Era
Read More +Read Less –When Gareth Andrews retired, Hawthorn ruckman Don Scott was elected president in early 1976.
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1975
Player of the Year
Read More +Read Less –Newspapers, TV, radio all conduct dozens of awards for footballers each season but in 1975, the VFLPA opted to introduce a footballers’ award for footballers. Each member of the VFLPA would be given the opportunity to nominate one play who, in their opinion, deserves to be season 1975’s Player of the Year. Only members of the VFLPA were eligibles to win the award as an added incentive for non-members to join. The inaugural winner was Carlton’s Alex Jesaulenko.
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Car Parking
Read More +Read Less –A significant issue for the playing group in the early days of the VFLPA was fighting for car parking spots at games. Early approaches and efforts with the VFL were fruitless despite many clubs being sympathetic towards the players wishes.
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Insurance
Read More +Read Less –Don Scott raised the problem of insurance and worker’s compensation. The opinion was expressed that $50,000 for total disability was relatively poor cover, especially where the player had a wife and dependents.
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The Role of the Delegate
Read More +Read Less –At the VFLPA delegate meeting on 16th April, 1975, Gareth Andrews and the player representatives reiterated their desire for every club to be represented by two members from each club at every meeting. Andrews discussed the expectation that delegates should be responsible for increasing activities in the areas of recruitment and communication. Andrews said, “the Association’s success depends on the participation of as many members as possible”.
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Supporting Neil Sasche
Read More +Read Less –In Round 2 of the 1975 VFL season, Footscray player Neil Sasche won a loose ball against Fitzroy, turned to run and ducked into an attacking player. That split second movement shunted Sasche’s neck and the resultant spinal injury left him a quadriplegic. During a board meeting in 1975, the VFLPA, led by Gareth Andrews, voted to open a trust account for Neil Sasche worth $200. All League footballers were asked by their club delegate to pay a voluntary levy of $5 per player to the fund. At the time, Footscray players had already contributed through bonus payments and other commitments. The motion was passed unanimously.
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Gareth Andrews’ return
Read More +Read Less –With Geoff Pryor stepping away from football due to work commitments, Gareth Andrews returned to the VFLPA in an official capacity and was elected president. With 300 financial members in the VFLPA’s first year, Andrews’ goal was to continue to develop and grow the association to enable meaningful change within the game, including the respect of the association from VFL clubs.
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1974
‘We meet League chiefs’
Read More +Read Less –For the first time on August 16, 1974, delegates of the VFLPA met with a VFL sub-committee at VFL House. The Association was represented by president Geoff Pryor, vice-president David McKay and secretary Des Meagher. The VFL sub-committee comprised of Eric McCutchan (administrative director) and various club representatives.
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The resolution to the 10-year rule
Read More +Read Less –At a VFLPA committee meeting on July 30, 1974, the delegates passed a resolution expressing their ‘deepest concern at the undemocratic attitude taken by the VFL Directors in rescinding the 10-year automatic clearance rule…’
The VFLPA and its delegates called for all VFL club secretaries to attend a meeting on August 19 discussing the matter and the future of League Football in Victoria.
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The Footballer
Read More +Read Less –To help continue growing the identity of the VFLPA, production of The Footballer magazine began. The catalyst for the first edition was an imminent meeting with the VFL over their intention to abolish the ‘Ten Year Rule’. The VFLPA was vehemently against repealing it and distributed a press release condemning the proposal. The purpose of the magazine was to communicate with the broader playing group the VFLPA’s stance on industrial relation & workplace issues. Over time, The Footballer grew from four pages to 36 pages per edition, and featured updates written by Geoff Pryor, David McKay and other members, with the support of Ron Jordan (INSERT TITLE) and Bob Parsonage (The Age journalist).
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Establishing our identity
Read More +Read Less –On March 27, 1974, the VFLPA sent a letter to the VFL requesting a meeting, as soon as possible, to introduce the Association and its objectives. The letter suggested the meeting could explore ways of having “formal and regular conversations” between the two bodies, stating that the VFLPA was a “serious movement of players to think and act responsibly towards the development of Australian Rules Football”. The VFL directors did not meet with the VFLPA, however Eric McCutchan (a leading administrator in the VFL) met with the PA on May 9 as a matter of process. McCutchan expressed his intention to inform the VFL of the discussions, but there was no hint of the VFL agreeing to a formal relationship. The VFLPA board worked on creating an identity for the VFLPA, designing the first logo and printing VFLPA t-shirts. While players would joke about them, the t-shirts became a symbol of unity in the early days.
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The first delegates
Read More +Read Less –Following the establishment of the VFLPA in December 1973, players agreed to return to their clubs to hold meetings at which the first delegates would be elected. On February 25, 1974, at Power House on Albert Park Lake, the first delegates meeting was held. Geoff Pryor was elected President, David McKay his deputy and Des Meagher was elected secretary. Despite having a significant role in the establishment of the VFLPA, Gareth Andrews did not take on a formal role and, for a while, became less active in the association due to his change in clubs. From March 1974, regular fortnightly meetings of VFLPA delegates took place.
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1973
The 10-Year Rule
Read More +Read Less –In 1973, the VFL announced a rule whereby players who has 10 years’ service at one club could move to the club of their choice. The rule was not without its challenges with then-VFL President Sir Maurice Nathan criticizing players for their lack of loyalty. In May 1973, the rule was abolished following the perceived trouble caused by player movement.
At the time, North Melbourne voted against the implementation of the rule, however, once the rule was announced in early 1973, they were quick to capitalise, interviewing all eligible players within 48 hours. The 10-year rule would be a matter that the then-VFLPA would negotiate for years to come.
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Formation of the AFLPA
Read More +Read Less –Independently of each other, Geoff Pryor and Gareth Andrews had been thinking about a body to represent VFL players. In 1973, things started to heat up as Essendon player Geoff Pryor’s efforts to form a players’ association gained momentum as he began to talk to more players away from the field and started researching player unions overseas. On June 14, 1973, Geoff and Gareth met for lunch to discuss their ideas. From there, the group grew to include Barry Davis, Ray Smith, Des Meagher, David McKay and Doug Wade, before expanding and an eventual meeting on December 10 which would officially form the VFL Players’ Association.