Indigenous stars to meet for First Nations Players' Summit

Jarred Cross Published October 12, 2026 at 2.00pm (AWST)

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The summit returns for the first time since 2026. (Pictured) the Indigenous All Stars in 2025. (Image: Richard Wainwright/AAP)

The AFL and AFLW First Nations playing group will meet in December with their voice, wellbeing and industry standards on cultural capability on the agenda for discussion.

First Nations Players' Summit returns in 2026, having last met in Geelong four years ago.

The joint AFL and AFLPA summit was first held by the Players' Association over two decades ago.

Adelaide, on Kaurna Country, will host the upcoming gathering.

First Nations players and coaches, club Indigenous player development managers and high performance staff, as well as others in the footy industry will attend.

"The AFL is committed to creating opportunities for First Nations players to thrive, both on and off the field," AFL general manager of First Nations engagement and inclusion Taryn Lee said.

"Increasing the representation and retention of First Nations players, while strengthening culturally safe and inclusive environments across the game are key commitment of the AFL's First Nations Strategy.

"The Summit provides an important opportunity to strengthen connection and belonging among First Nations players across the industry, while creating space to listen and learn from their experiences."

The players are slated to contribute to the cultural capability standards and discussions on future industry development, as well as leadership and cohort connection.

"Their voices and perspective are critical to shaping how we continue to strengthen cultural safety, support player retention and ensure the contribution and legacy of First Nations players remains a strong and enduring part of our game," Lee added.

The first summit since 2022 comes after the league announced its First Nations Strategy and impact fund, with an increase of Indigenous representation at the elite level a key target, alongside the establishment of scholarships, coaching and player leadership initiatives.

Last month, the introduction of dedicated Category B rookie list spots for First Nations players at clubs to begin in 2027 was confirmed.

In 2026 there was 66 First Nations players in the AFL, with 22 in the AFLW.

First Nations AFLW players Georgia Nanscawen (Essendon), J'Noemi Anderson (Euro-Yroke's/St Kilda), Jasmin Stewart (Geelong) and Kaitlyn Ashmore (Hawthorn) with other competition players at the 2026 Indigenous Round launch, alongside honouree Bronwyn Davey. (Image: Jarred Cross)

A small number of these players have been delisted since the men's season ended, with some highly-touted talent expected to be picked up in the next month.

AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said the league was "thrilled" to see the return of the summit.

"It's an indicator of the league's commitment to the First Nations Strategy, Harley said.

"Our game wouldn't be what it is today without the contributions of First Nations players," Harley said, with "work to be done" on the current representation of footballers at the top level.

"The AFL has a responsibility to continue to grow and retain the excellence of First Nations players in the game, and the commitment to the Summit is a reflection of that responsibility, and recognition of the value First Nations people give to the game," he added.

AFLPA chief executive Regan Bunny said: "The AFL has a responsibility to continue to grow and retain the excellence of First Nations players in the game, and the commitment to the Summit is a reflection of that responsibility, and recognition of the value First Nations people give to the game."

"The AFL has a responsibility to continue to grow and retain the excellence of First Nations players in the game, and the commitment to the Summit is a reflection of that responsibility, and recognition of the value First Nations people give to the game," Bunny added.