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: Players can access up to $8000 to cover treatment costs for joint operations and dental procedures related to football.

• 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.

• Delisted Injury Player Payment: Players who are unable to work immediately following their delisting due to an injury can access one month’s pay at the average Australian wage.

• Past Player Hardship: Grants may be directed to players who experience hardship due to injury, illness or wellbeing issues.

• Hospital Excess Reimbursement: Reimbursement of $500 to cover excess following a hospital stay.

More information on the Injury and Hardship Fund can be found via the links below.