This month, we’re looking at the numbers that make up the AFLPA Injury and Hardship Fund.

This fund aims to support players who transition out of the game with career ending injuries, and those who need longer-term medical support, or suffer illness or financial hardship through retirement. Support is available through the fund in the following ways;

Lifetime Health Care Program – Players can access the LHCP to cover treatment costs for joint operations and dental procedures related to football. Since 2017, 719 members have accessed the LHCP.

Geoff Pryor Hardship Fund – Grants may be directed to players who experience hardship due to injury, illness or wellbeing issues. Since 2017, 517 members have accessed hospital excess payments.

Hospital Excess Reimbursement – Reimbursement to cover excess following a hospital stay. Since 2017, 517 members have accessed hospital excess payments.

Football-Ending Injury – Players who exit the game due to an injury that prevents them from playing football at senior level in any other competition again are eligible for a payment based on their age and the base value of the final year of their standard playing contract. Since 2017, 50 members have accessed football-ending injury claims.