The AFL has today confirmed additional First Nations list spots will be introduced for the 2027 AFL and AFLW seasons.

The announcement follows endorsement from the AFL Commission and AFL Players' Association (AFLPA).

The mechanism will provide clubs with one additional Category B Rookie List spot on their AFL list and one additional Rookie List spot on their AFLW list, designated for First Nations players.

The additional First Nations list spots are optional for all clubs and have been finalised after thorough industry-wide consultation that included the formation of an industry working group, engagement of the AFL's First Nations Advisory Committee and consultation with the AFLPA, clubs, First Nations players and Indigenous Player Development Managers.

The introduction of additional list spots occur in conjunction with the development and implementation of Industry Standards on Cultural Capability.

The Industry Standards will provide clubs with best practice guidance and support to continue to create culturally-safe environments for First Nations players.

The industry-wide support framework will be prioritised and delivered by the AFL's First Nations Engagement team, in collaboration with the AFLPA, by March 2027 and will build on work already underway across the industry.

In 2026, there are 66 First Nations players on AFL club lists, and 22 First Nations players across the AFLW competition.

AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance, Greg Swann said:

"First Nations representation across the game is a key focus area for the AFL, and the introduction of this mechanism will go a significant way to providing opportunity for more First Nations players to play at the highest level.

"Our game as we know it has been shaped by First Nations players and we want to ensure we continue to provide the best opportunity for First Nations players of the future to thrive.

"A record five First Nations players were selected in the 2026 AFL All Australian team, a significant milestone that shows the excellent and ongoing contribution First Nations players continue to make.

"The additional list spot provides clubs with flexibility as to how they utilise the opportunity. The additional list spots have been well supported by clubs through the consultation process, and we thank everyone involved."

AFL General Manager First Nations Engagement and Inclusion, Taryn Lee said:

"Increasing the number of First Nations players in the game is one of three priorities we are committed to under the AFL's First Nations Strategy.

"Our approach has been collaborative, we have listened to our First Nations players whose experiences have provided invaluable insight and an opportunity to ensure we set up our clubs and players for success.

"Currently, there are 66 First Nations players on AFL club lists in 2026, that represents 8% of our total playing cohort. In the AFLW competition, there are 22 First Nations women on playing lists which counts for 4% of 540 players. We are committed to increasing the number of First Nations players across the AFL and AFLW competition to 111 by 2030.

"We know there is significant room for improvement and we see the additional First Nations list spots as a fantastic step forward."

AFL Players' Association CEO, James Gallagher, said:

"Our game is richer for the contributions of First Nations players, and we're committed to ensuring that our football environments support First Nations players to set them up for success at the elite level.

"It's been important to our players and Indigenous Advisory Board that all industry stakeholders work collaboratively to address factors that have led to declining numbers.

"The additional list spot will create more opportunities, and enhancing the cultural capability across the game through best practice guidance and support is aimed at improving the career lengths and experiences of First Nations players.

"Using the insights and experiences shared by our current players, we look forward to developing and delivering the Industry Standards with the AFL ahead of the 2027 AFL season."

Eligibility and access rules to additional First Nations list spots can be summarised as follows:

List profile

- AFL: Where all three Category B Rookie list spots are filled on an AFL list, at least one spot must be filled by a First Nations player.

- AFLW: An additional Rookie List spot will be the 31st position on an AFLW list.

Age eligibility

- First Nations players who are draft eligible will be eligible for the list spot, including Next Generation Academy-aligned First Nations players.

Draft nomination

- Eligible players must have nominated for the immediately preceding National Draft, excluding Delisted Free Agents, who will not be required to nominate.

Delisting

- A club may not delist a First Nations player then immediately place them on its Category B Rookie list (AFL) or Rookie List (AFLW). A minimum period of 12 months must elapse before that player becomes eligible for selection by that club.

Existing First Nations players

- Where a club already has a First Nations player on its Category B Rookie list (AFL), that player will satisfy the requirement for a First Nations player where all three Category B Rookie list spots are filled.

Club access

- To access First Nations players for additional list spots, a club may either select its own NGA-aligned First Nations player during the NGA pre-selection period following the AFL/AFLW National Draft or select any eligible player during the Pre-Season Supplementary Signing Period (AFL) or prescribed signing period (AFLW).

Training opportunities

- Consistent with the current SSP training rules, clubs will have the opportunity to invite up to two First Nations players to train with the club prior to signing. To exercise these options, a club must have an available Category B Rookie list spot.

- No training opportunities will be available in AFLW as club programs will not have commenced the formal pre-season access period.