ABOUT US

The AFL is an extraordinary force in Australia’s sporting, social and cultural landscape. Our game touches the hearts and souls of communities across the country and forges strong connections from the grass roots to the elite.

Our people are passionate and united by a common purpose to progress the game so everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities and are guided by our vision for everyone to love and connect with our game.

As a values-based culture, we focus on creating a diverse, inclusive and safe environment where all our team can thrive. Our values play a pivotal role in bringing to life the culture we want at the AFL and we know that being part of a premiership winning team requires an environment that cultivates curiosity, innovation, and high performance.

The AFL is committed to fostering and developing talent to be the future leaders of our industry, and the AFL Grad Program supports us in this mission. Following a hugely successful inaugural year in 2024 and continuing our program success in 2025, we’re delighted to welcome a new cohort in 2026.

ABOUT THE ROLES

Based at AFL House in Melbourne, you will join an energetic and collaborative environment that promises to give you the very best grad experience and allows you to deliver real impact and contribute to the success of this iconic organisation. The AFL Grad Program aims to deliver an industry-wide, development rich experience where you’ll foster relationships and build essential skills for the future.

You don’t need to understand the rules of Australian football to join the AFL Grad Program. You do however need to be able to work well in a team environment, have a passion for learning and an aspiration for professional growth.

With the AFL Grad Program set to commence in late January 2026, we want to ensure your development will be catapulted in a purpose driven way. So, in application we will ask for your preferences in areas of work, so we can appropriately place successful candidates.

We welcome a range of diverse and educational backgrounds in application for the AFL Grad Program – it might be law, arts, engineering, marketing and communications, sports management, finance, commerce, data, technology, HR, health and wellbeing – the list goes on.

Through a structured and supportive induction and development program, you’ll experience all the AFL has to offer, including:

A supportive community of like-minded future leaders
Insights from our AFL Grad Program Alumni
Industry immersions and access to uniquely AFL experiences
Access to on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring, and dedicated learning and development opportunities
Flexible and hybrid working opportunities – including collaborative office connect days
Access to Play Well the AFL’s health and wellbeing program to help you thrive in and out of work
A range of benefits, perks exclusive opportunities through our AFL corporate partners and friends
Flex cultural leave to support our employees to participate in culturally specifics activities

More on our Grad Program and to hear from some of our Alumni click here.

WHY JOIN US?

The AFL offers a unique opportunity for grads of this program to build close working relationships, develop valuable skills and experiences and build an exciting career pathway in a speciality area of study/ interest.

You’ll develop a deep understanding into the administration of our game and witness first-hand the excitement and dedication that goes into supporting local football and talent leagues, filling stadiums, broadcasting our game to fans and ensuring everyone can be involved in Australia’s game.

This program will see you working on meaningful projects, from ideation to deployment, and provide you a truly supportive environment where your team and leaders will provide continuous guidance throughout this yearlong journey.

READY TO APPLY?

The following criteria is important to note:

You are a 2024 university grad or soon to be 2025 grad, ready to commence full time in early 2026
You hold a bachelor’s degree (or greater) and have a minimum of a credit average (should you progress through our recruitment process you will be asked to supply your transcript)
Applicants must have Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or Australian permanent residency at the time of application
You must be free to attend a half day assessment centre in Melbourne in-person in late August 2025
You have successfully balanced your studies with previous work experience in the capacities of; part time, casual, volunteer roles and/or internship programs
You include a written cover letter that tells us a bit more about you, this can also include an optional short character reference – max 500 words e.g. lecturer, employer and coach

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. The AFL undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children in its care. Please note, employment in this position is subject to the successful candidate holding a Valid Working with Children Check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate.

The AFL warmly encourages First Nations peoples to apply and are pleased to further highlight the support available to applicants via our First Nations Grad Program Pathway linked here.

Please ensure you upload your CV and cover letter, with optional character reference as a part of your application!

APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2025

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