A former senior voice in the AFL's Indigenous policy has raised concerns with a new league strategy to correct downward slides in player representation — on which his advisory council was not consulted.

As reported by The Age at the weekend, Paul Briggs says he and others were left feeling disrespected and marginalised.

Briggs was previously chair of the AFL's Indigenous Advisory Council. He's also a respected community leader and legendary figure at Aboriginal-led footy and netball club Rumbalara in Shepparton.

The council was also under-resourced in trying to do their work, Mr Briggs told The Age.

Last month, the outlet first reported the league's said plans to increase the number of Indigenous players on club lists to 10 per cent of the competition, alongside increases in the AFLW, efforts to stamp out experiences of racism in the game, and the potential of a dedicated spot at clubs for First Nations players, among a list of measures.

There were 86 Indigenous players in the men's competition in 2020, an almost 30 year high — including the six years since. That figure has fallen by over 20 and to its lowest in two decades for the current season.

In 2025, then-AFL executive general manager of social policy and inclusion Tanya Hosch told National Indigenous Times increasing representation of Indigenous players in the competition was a "big priority".

In recent seasons, a continuing decrease on club lists has been highlighted, something Hosch said "does not sit comfortably at all" with the league.

Then-general manager of football, now footy operations boss Laura Kane outlined measures in place and being pursued 12 months ago, while Hosch added: "We want to make sure that Indigenous players are in the system on average, as long as non-Indigenous players.

"There's many, many factors that we have to look at. It's not as simple as just having the right pathways programs," Hosch said.

According to The Age, the AFL Commission went ahead with their policy plans without properly consulting the Advisory Council.

Briggs has quit his role, followed by Joe Morrison and Pat Turner.

"We just felt really disrespected," Briggs told the Victorian publication.

"It's an advisory body I chaired that wasn't resourced enough and the AFL passed a new plan that we hadn't made a contribution to. That's why we stepped away."

He added they couldn't remain at the league if their advice wasn't going to be taken on board.

"Senior decisions in the AFL space are more about process without a clear strategy," Briggs told The Age.

"How can one Aboriginal person make an impact on the commission without the correct support underneath?".

Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh, a former NBL player, Port Adelaide Aboriginal programs director head's the AFL's national diversity talent.

Briggs suggested focus is best served at pathways and stronger strategy, from supports for childhood well before football to the state league.

He also gave his thoughts that for Indigenous AFL footballers, the sense can be their "value drops" post-playing career.