AFL Careers | Grad Program

The AFL Grad Program provides a dynamic entry point into the AFL, where you’ll gain hands on industry-wide experience and access to first-class learning and development opportunities.

We are an ambitious organisation with a culture that cultivates curiosity, innovation, and high performance.

It’s here, you’ll foster relationships, build valuable skills and capabilities, and contribute to shaping our future, fans, and the communities we connect.

At the AFL, your work has the power to impact millions!

Meet some of our Grad Alumni

Throughout the year-long journey, Grads will be supported by AFL leaders and mentors and participate in immersive industry-wide experiences designed to support your personal and professional growth.

Through a structured and supportive 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 designed to help you thrive in and out of work
A range of benefits, perks and exclusive opportunities through our AFL corporate partners and friends
Flex cultural leave to support our employees to participate in culturally specific activities
You’ll also get to participate in a variety of unique AFL experiences.

These could include:

Insights from our football department, elite umpiring team and game development experts
Experience Marvel Stadium and behind the scenes of event days (games, concerts and more!)
In-depth sessions with some of our key partners, including Champion Data
Participation in working groups to support key football rounds including: Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Gather Round and AFLW Pride Round
Experience AFL Club environments
Opportunities to attend AFL’s biggest events

Click here to register and be notified when applications open for our next AFL Grad Program

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Do you have specific targeted roles for First Nations students?

We do. The AFL are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We warmly encourage First Nations graduates to apply.
What departments could I work in?
We have so many exciting departments across the AFL for you to possibly experience. These include:
- Business Operations
- Community Football, Participation and Game Development
- Commercial Partnerships
- Data and Analytics
- Digital, Media, Marketing, Sales
- Finance, Investments and Procurement
- First Nations Engagement and Inclusion
- Football Performance, Umpiring and Club Operations
- People and Culture
- PR and Communications
- Legal, Risk, Integrity and Safety
- Stadium Operations, Events and Hospitality
- Strategy
- Technology and AI
We’ll ask you to submit your preferences for streams in the application process.
How is the Grad Program structured?

The AFL Grad Program has been purposefully designed to provide Grads the opportunity to embark on a learning-rich journey within a nurturing environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Our program is one that empowers and inspires young professionals to reach their full potential and become job-ready leaders.

To ensure Grads within the program develop well-rounded industry knowledge, not only will they have the opportunity work across departments, there may be opportunity to explore working across business units and/ or spending time at an AFL Club.
What can I expect from the assessment and selection stage?

Our recruitment process involves several stages and activities. Eligible and progressing applicants will be notified via email as to what to expect.
How can I prepare for interview/ assessment?

It always pays to be prepared! Find out everything you can about the program and us. It’s also worth reflecting on how your skills and experience can be of value. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with various AFL leaders, so we recommend you’re prepared to discuss your interest and understanding.
What are the typical working hours per week?

This is a full time role with a standard 37.5 hour working week.
Can I speak to someone to find out more about the program?

We have a dedicated email address you can reach out to if the questions you have are not answered here. Please ensure you refer to the list above before emailing gradcareers@afl.com.au.
What is the starting salary for Graduates?

Our starting salary is competitive with the graduate market. We'll discuss details of the remuneration throughout the recruitment process. We also offer a huge range of rewards and benefits outside of your salary.
Will I need to complete a Working with Children Check?

Yes. We will require all team members to have a valid Working with Children Check. We will reimburse you for the cost of the check when you start with us.
Interested in future programs?

Register your interest in future Grad programs via our expression of interest form.

Why the AFL Grad Program

Meet some of our Grad Alumni

Grad Program FAQs

Naming Rights Partner

Major Partners

Acknowledgement of Country

Kick more than goals at the AFL

What to expect from the AFL Grad Program?

Why the AFL Grad Program

Josiah

Emma

Jess and Xander

Nicholas

Mandie

Sapphira

Elisha

Caitlin

Grace

Alan

Naming Rights Partner

Major Partners

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Acknowledgement of Country