Dedicated scholarship for Indigenous AFL players to plan for life after footy announced

Jarred Cross Published July 9, 2026 at 3.30am (AWST)

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Scholarships of up to $25,000 are on offer for players. Image: Joe Castro (AAP).

First Nations AFL players will receive new support to study and pursue post-football careers and strengthen themselves as leaders with investment in a league scholarship program under new dedicated funding.

The pilot First Nations Senior Players Scholarship Program is eligible for up to six footballers to receive $25,000 under the league's First Nations Impact Fund, announced ahead of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Eligibility criteria includes a minimum four years in the elite-level system, intention to work in the AFL after their career, to be already recognised as a leader in their club or community.

"The First Nations Senior Players Scholarship Program is about investing in First Nations players and supporting them to continue making a meaningful contribution to the game and communities beyond their playing careers," AFL General Manager First Nations Engagement and Inclusion Taryn Lee said.

"We have heard clearly from players and clubs that First Nations players want to be more closely engaged in shaping the future of the game, particularly in areas that support recruitment, retention, cultural safety and stronger pathways for First Nations people."

In May, the AFL announced the First Nations Impact Fund, buoyed by an annual investment of around $300,000, including revenue from Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The fund, with application for support to be made by clubs, was also flagged as a means to grow Indigenous representation on the field and through the industry, create culturally-safe environments and address racism.

The scholarship supports Indigenous players to complete a course or other structured learning efforts for life after footy.

Secondments with the league are also are part of it, alongside opportunities to engage in First Nations player gatherings, be part of a a structured senior First Nations player network including meetings with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon.

Across the competition the average AFL career as of 2025 is less than six years, the AFL Players' Association reports.

*First Nations AFL players at Sir Doug Nicholls Round launch 2026. Image: Jarred Cross*

The league has set a goal of having 111 First Nations players collectively in the AFL and AFLW by 2030.

There were 86 Indigenous players in the men's competition in 2020, an almost 30 year high including the six years since, with that figure falling by over 20 and two its lowest in two decades.

In the AFLW there is a touch over 20 Indigenous players.

Last year the league announced its 2025-2028 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan for Game Development, with plans for a place-based approach co-designed with Indigenous communities, leaders and groups to create a safe space and more opportunities for First Nations people in the game.

The new scholarship "creates a structured opportunity for players to build their skills, pursue their career ambitions and share their lived experience and leadership with the AFL and broader industry," Lee said.

"Through the AFL First Nations Impact Fund, we are continuing to work with clubs and players to deliver initiatives that support First Nations people to thrive in our game."