The AFL and AFL Players' Association are pleased to announce the First Nations Players' Summit will take place on Kaurna Country in Adelaide from Sunday December 6 to Wednesday December 9.
 
The First Nations Players' Summit will focus on strengthening connection, wellbeing, leadership and player voice, while establishing, in partnership with First Nations players, industry standards on cultural capability and future direction for the industry.
 
The Industry Standards were recently announced alongside the additional First Nations list spots, the Summit will be an important forum for all First Nations players to provide a voice in their development.
 
The most recent First Nations Players' Summit was held in Geelong in 2022.
 
The latest iteration will see AFL and AFLW First Nations players, Indigenous Player Development Managers, First Nations coaches and high-performance club staff and other key industry participants come together for the three-day program.
 
The First Nations Players' Summit reflects the AFL's First Nations Strategy that commits to creating a culturally safe game that attracts, retains and values the unique and impactful contributions of First Nations players.
 
Established in 1994 by the Players' Association, the AFL Players' Summit was created to support the personal and professional development and connection of elite level Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.
 
In 2026, of the 813 players on AFL club lists, 66 were First Nations players. Of the 575 players currently playing in the AFLW competition, 22 are First Nations players.

AFL Chief Operating Officer, Tom Harley said:

"Our game wouldn't be what it is today without the contributions of First Nations players.

"We are thrilled to be able to confirm the 2026 First Nations Players' Summit, an event that directly reflects the AFL's commitment to our First Nations Strategy.

"First Nations players represented over eight per cent of the total AFL playing cohort in 2026, and four per cent of the AFLW playing cohort. We understand there is work to be done.

"The AFL has a responsibility to continue to grow and retain the excellence of First Nations players in the game, and the commitment to the Summit is a reflection of that responsibility, and recognition of the value First Nations people give to the game."

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

"The AFL is committed to creating opportunities for First Nations players to thrive, both on and off the field.

"Increasing the representation and retention of First Nations players, while strengthening culturally safe and inclusive environments across the game are key commitment of the AFL's First Nations Strategy.

"The Summit provides an important opportunity to strengthen connection and belonging among First Nations players across the industry, while creating space to listen and learn from their experiences.

"Their voices and perspective are critical to shaping how we continue to strengthen cultural safety, support player retention and ensure the contribution and legacy of First Nations players remains a strong and enduring part of our game."

AFLPA Chief Operating Officer, Regan Bunny said:
 
"Our First Nations players have provided so much to our game for a long period of time, both on and off the field, so the industry has a responsibility to ensure they thrive in every part of their life.
 
"The Summit has a long and storied history bringing together the game's Indigenous cohort to connect with each other, connect with culture, and share valuable learnings that have shaped how we support current players today.
 
"The game is at an important juncture with the way we retain and advance the experience of current First Nations players, so being able to bring AFL and AFLW players together to better understand their experiences is one of the industry's best opportunities. The Summit will play a vital role in providing the player voice to influence the industry's ongoing work."