The AFL Players’ Association is pleased to announce that AFL and AFLW players Josh Dunkley, Brodie Grundy and Kate Hore were elected to the AFLPA Board at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening. 

The newly appointed directors replace outgoing Co-Vice Presidents Sam Frost and Kerryn Peterson, following their respective retirements from playing, as well as former President Patrick Dangerfield. 

Dangerfield notified the Board that he would not be seeking re-election and would formally step down at the end of his current term, following 12 years of service, six of which were as President. 

Peterson was elected in 2022, the year player parity was achieved on the AFLPA Board, and played a significant role across multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements, while Frost served as a director since 2024 and was an AFLPA delegate for two years prior. 

Darcy Moore was also re-appointed as President, while Kristen Hilton was re-appointed as Chair, and Chris Heffernan was re-appointed as an independent director. 

AFLPA CEO James Gallagher welcomed the Board’s new additions. 

“Congratulations to Kate, Josh and Brodie for being recognised and elected by their fellow players. 

“They are all strong leaders and have enormous respect from the wider industry. We’re incredibly lucky to have their experience, ideas and energy on the AFLPA Board and I look forward to working with them as we embark on a significant journey towards the next CBA. 

“Thank you to the players who put their hand up for a Board position and weren’t elected – they will all continue to play important roles as AFLPA delegates at their clubs. 

“I’d also like to thank our outgoing Board members in Patrick, Kerryn and Sam, who have provided tremendous service and every player is in a better position for having had them as their representatives for so long.” 

Chair Kristen Hilton thanked the outgoing Board members for their service. 

“Patrick, Kerryn and Sam are all exemplary leaders who have had an enormous impact during their time on the Board. 

“Their dedication to the issues facing players and passion for the health of the game has been invaluable for the AFLPA, and they should all be immensely proud of how they have represented their peers. 

“In particular, I’d like to thank Patrick for his exceptional service for more than a decade, including as President during some of the most pivotal moments the game has seen.” 

The AFLPA Board now consists of: 

• Kristen Hilton (Chair) 

• Darcy Moore (President) 

• James Gallagher (CEO) 

• Josh Dunkley 

• Brodie Grundy 

• Kate Hore 

• Isabel Huntington 

• Kirsty Lamb 

• Chloe Molloy 

• Marc Pittonet 

• Chris Heffernan (Independent Director) 

DETAILS OF THE NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS: 

KATE HORE 

• Current AFLW player for Melbourne Football Club (2018 – present) 

• Captain for Melbourne Football Club (2023 – present) 

• 2023 AFLPA Best Captain Award 

• Bachelor of Health Science 

• Bachelor of Business (Marketing) 

• Jim Stynes Foundation Board member 

JOSH DUNKLEY 

• Current AFL player for Brisbane Lions (2023 – present) 

• Co-Captain for Brisbane Lions (2026 – present) 

• Previous AFL player for Western Bulldogs (2016 – 2022) 

• AFLPA Club Delegate – Brisbane Lions (2025 – present) 

• AFLPA Club Delegate – Western Bulldogs (2018 – 2022) 

• 2025 Robert Rose Award for Most Courageous Player 

• AFL Level 2 Coaching Course 

BRODIE GRUNDY 

• Current AFL player for Sydney Swans (2024 – present) 

• Previous AFL player for Melbourne Football Club (2023) 

• Previous AFL player for Collingwood Football Club (2013 – 2022) 

• AFLPA Club Delegate – Sydney Swans (2024 – present) 

• Sydney Swans Diversity Action Plan Committee member 

• AFL Industry Mental Health and Wellbeing Steering Committee member 

• Bachelor of Health Science 

• Master of Business Administration