The AFL Players’ Association is proud to publish the fourth edition of its annual Insights and Impact Report, combining data and lived experiences of AFL and AFLW players to platform the biggest trends and issues currently facing them. 

This year’s Report dives into the challenges and complexities of mental health among all cohorts, the ongoing confusion for players around the rules of the game, the structure and mechanics of the AFLW season and off-season, and the needs of and support required for past players, including those transitioning out of the game. 

Survey data collected by the AFLPA, along with club visits, meetings and conversations, inform the Insights within the Report, and determine the challenges facing the industry and how the AFLPA can best represent its members. 

In addition, the Report operates as a pulse check of the AFLPA’s progress, and the impact of its programs, services and advocacy. 

Key insights in the fourth edition (with page references) include: 

• AFLW off-season programs eroded player time off and recovery (page 16). 

• Players experience physical and social challenges during transition (page 29). 

• Mental health support usage climbs across all cohorts (page 36). 

• Social media and financial pressure emerging as key stressors for players (page 45). 

• Concussion underreporting among AFLW players increases (page 48). 

• Inconsistent medical access in AFLW training undermines player safety (page 50). 

• AFL players call for clarity and consistency across the rules framework (page 51). 

• Satisfaction with racism response declines for Indigenous players, despite fewer reports (page 60). 

VIEW THE INSIGHTS & IMPACT REPORT EDITION 4 HERE

This edition features a number of current and former players providing their unique perspectives, including: 

• Former Essendon player Will Snelling on the challenges of transition (page 28), 

• Adelaide player Wayne Milera on the importance of off-field development (page 32), 

• Former West Coast player Will Schofield on mental health (page 37), 

• Commentator and former player David King on the current confusion around rules (page 52). 

AFLPA CEO, Paul Marsh, said he was proud to oversee the report as one of his final undertakings as head of the association. 

“The Insights and Impact Report is the result of an enormous amount of work, and invaluable contributions from our members. 

“It shows us that the industry is progressing in key areas, but importantly, how much more we can do to ensure the experience of every player, past and present, is a positive one. 

“The insights, recommendations, and data published within the Report are designed to serve as a guide for all in the industry to keep progressing important work around the health, safety, wellbeing and environments of our players.” 

AFLPA President, Darcy Moore, said: “This report explores so many of the unique experiences and issues for players, including those transitioning out of the game and into retirement. 

“The AFLPA provides significant support to its members, as shown by the strong impact of our programs and services outlined in the report. However, there’s still more to achieve and I’m looking forward to seeing the opportunities identified for the industry take shape in the future.” 

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