Stories
The AFL Players Association advises that CEO Paul Marsh will be taking a three-month period of leave from the AFLPA, as of 16 May 2024.
Marsh has been at the helm of the AFLPA for nearly a decade, leading the organisation through multiple landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, the COVID-19 response, and many advocacy projects to benefit members.
Marsh said that he is looking forward to a break before returning to work in mid-August.
“The Board have been in discussions with me for some time about taking some time away,” Marsh said.
“Through those discussions, it has been decided that now is the appropriate time for me to step back, recharge and spend more time with my family.
“I’m extremely confident in the capable people leading the organisation, from the Board to player leaders and AFLPA staff, who will continue to serve our members well and drive the industry for further change.”
AFLPA Board Chair Kristen Hilton said: “We are pleased that the AFLPA is in a position to be able to offer Paul this well-earned extended break.
“The last few years have been an extraordinarily busy and successful period for the AFLPA under Paul’s leadership, with the historic joint CBA as well as the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and its recovery period.
“With the newly agreed CBA in-place and a strategic direction mapped out for the organisation for the rest of 2024, now is the perfect time for Paul to step away for a short period of time.”
AFLPA President Patrick Dangerfield agreed, saying, “Paul’s commitment to the AFLPA, its members and staff has been unwavering, and we’re excited to offer him this time away to focus on himself and his family.
“The Association has exceptional and passionate leaders and staff, and we will continue to serve our members, now, during Paul’s short-term absence, and beyond.
“We’re also equally excited to appoint an Acting CEO from within the current AFLPA Executive team in Paul’s absence and that process is currently underway.”
The appointment of an Acting CEO will be made in advance of Marsh’s leave date and will be announced in due course.
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