The AFL plans place-based approaches co-designed with Indigenous communities, leaders and groups to create a safe space and more opportunities for First Nations people in the game.

On Wednesday, the League released its 2025-2028 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan for Game Development.

At present, Indigenous Australians make up 6.4 per cent of all participants in junior development, social and local football around the country.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillion said "there's important work that still needs to be done".

The leading initiative of the Action Plan, a Community Connect model, targets 18 local government areas across the country identified as priority regions.

It's billed as a 'combination of unstructured opportunities' delivered in conjunction with junior development and social play types Auskick, Superkick and AFL Nines session, with player engagement, fan opportunities and cultural celebrations entwined.

The AFL says the model 'addresses challenges and opportunities' through:

Engaging community members and local organisations;

Utilising local knowledge in the process of co-design;

Adopting a shared decision-making and stewardship approach;

Tailoring solutions to the unique needs and context of the location; and

Pilot programs will be assessed over the next two years to better inform future delivery.

"This action plan outlines concrete steps for creating more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, from grassroots participation through to community leadership roles and it an important strategy for the AFL to continue to find ways for everyone to feel included, safe and recognised within our game," the Action Plan's forward reads, co-signed by Dillon, AFL general manager of game development Madeline Penny, and AFL national Indigenous participation lead Mark Leavy.

Mr Leavy played a key role in the Action Plan's development.

"We seek to honour and reflect the rich cultural heritage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have in our nation and as an extension to the game of AFL," he said.

"To ensure our game truly represents our society, inclusion must go beyond a guiding value – it needs to be woven into how we engage, design, and deliver our programs.

"This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan is grounded in two key approaches: co-design and place-based strategies."

Mr Leavy said co-design involves working "with communities rather than for them", allowing programs to be "shaped by the voices and lived experiences of the people we're aiming to connect with".

"A place-based approach ensures our efforts are rooted in local context, supported by strong partnerships, and responsive to the unique needs of each community," he said.

"By working alongside schools, families, and grassroots organisations, we aim to make Australian Football more accessible, inclusive and meaningful – whether you've recently started your AFL journey or if you have a generational connection to the game."

Speaking at the AFLW Indigenous Round launch on Tuesday, former player and 2025 rounds honouree Kirby Bentley said "the contribution from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is crucial in our game for growth, and that's not only as players, but coaching staff, management, umpires from all layers and levels".

"Without that, we can't really create that shift that we're looking for," she added. "And until then, we don't understand what that support looks like for those players in the system."

There are 22 First Nations players on AFLW lists. Heading into the 2025 season, 63 First Nations players were at clubs across the men's competition leading into the 2025 season, a downturn in representation from previous seasons, with a number of retirements and delistings occurring this week as the home-and-away rounds draws to a close.

The Indigenous All Stars made their return after a decade in February.

Community-led programs already rolled out across the Northern Territroy, Kimberley and Cape York - supporting participation, education, training and employment opportunities, informed the new Action Plan.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a deep and storied connection to Australian football and the contribution they have made to our game since the 19th century has been immense," Mr Dillon said.

"As we continue to build on this rich history and ensure everyone feels included, valued and recognised, it was important to create an Action Plan that was tailored not only to First Nations people but to unique communities in each state and territory.

"Through this process there has been extensive collaboration and learnings between community leaders and local organisations on their needs, to ensure we're delivering the best strategy for the people in their area to connect with Australian footy.

Mr Dillion said the action plan outlines "concrete steps" for more opportunities in football.

"While participation for those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander has increased nationally – sitting at 6.4 per cent of the overall participation total across community footy, NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Nines – we know there's important work that still needs to be done.

Mr Dillion acknowledged the work of former executive general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch, among others, in helping develop the plan.

LGAs targeted in Community Connect:

NSW/ACT: Blacktown, Campbelltown Shoalhaven, Albury, Central Coast, Sydney City / Randwick

Queensland: Townsville, Logan, Moreton Bay

Victoria: Geelong, Shepparton, Bendigo

South Australia: Salisbury, Playford

Western Australia: Albany, Mandurah

Northern Territory: Darwin

Tasmania: Brighton