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 apply for the 2027 AFL Grad Program

Application period opens Friday 1 May 2026 and will close on Sunday 28 June 2026.

How do I apply?

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, AI, HR, health and wellbeing – the list goes on.  

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

Our grad roles are gamechangers, on and off the field – so join the team, be part of our future!

Eligibility criteria   

• You are a 2025 university grad or soon to be 2026 grad, ready to commence full time in early 2027 

• 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, Australian permanent residency at the time of application, or hold valid working rights until at least 2028. Please note as these roles will be based at AFL House in Melbourne – we welcome graduates from interstate who may be considering relocating for such an opportunity 

• You must be free to attend a half day assessment centre in Melbourne in-person in late August 2026 

• You have successfully balanced your studies with previous work experience in the capacities of; part time, casual, volunteer roles and/or internship programs