Indigenous

To achieve our vision, we aspire to continue to showcase the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Australian Rules Football and to connect with Indigenous communities across Australia.

Australian Football has always been more than just a game - it is a shared passion that brings people together from all walks of life.

For everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game

The Game Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan (2025 – 2028) will provide a consistent, systematic framework and direction to realise our vision nationwide.

The primary emphasis of the action plan is to take a place-based, community co-designed approach, focusing on specific Local Government Areas (LGAs). To achieve this, AFL Community Connect programs will be delivered in 18 priority LGAs across Australia in partnership with a range of community organisations.

Guiding Principles

Bespoke, community co-designed programs through multi-stakeholder partnerships to offer an alternative to the traditional AFL approach.
Primary focus on building a sense of belonging and connection through the creation of safe and inclusive environments.
Ongoing, long-term commitment to LGAs and communities in scope.
Our programs are pilots—we will monitor and evaluate impact over the next 2 years to refine and strengthen our initiatives in Years 3 and 4.
Education and training of staff and key stakeholders in cultural awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness is a fundamental enabler to drive systemic change.
Substantial participation growth will only be achieved after sustained and genuine commitment, patience, humility, and adopting a posture of learning.