AFLPA statement on AFL X-Men campaign

14 Jul 2006 - Jason Murnane

In recognition of the physical toll which AFL football takes on the health and well-being of its players, the AFLPA has in recent times, acted to extend the support it provides to past players. For a number of years the AFLPA has provided financial and other support to past player group the AFL X-Men, principally in assisting its efforts to provide health benefits to past VFL / AFL players.

In 2005, the AFLPA announced that current AFL players pledged to raise $2 million over three years by sacrificing a percentage of their payments to create a past-player health fund.  This decision was whole-heartedly supported by all players and is seen as a unique development in Australian sport.

Since this announcement, the AFLPA has worked to identify the most effective means of utilising funds raised by current players to provide a comprehensive health and well-being program for past players.  Consideration has been given to the packaging of a range of measures including tailored health insurance products and subsidies, hardship grants, health checks, health promotion information and check-ups as well as men's health and well-being services.

The AFLPA has involved the X-Men in this process and is looking forward to revealing a number of significant developments in its past player health program to potential recipients of these benefits in the coming months.

According to AFLPA Chief Executive Brendon Gale, "The AFLPA has long recognised the tremendous work AFL Club past-player associations perform in supporting their members, and the leadership provided by the AFL X-Men as the peak body of these groups.

"The campaign launched by the X-Men to seek financial support from the AFL for veteran VFL/AFL players is understandable given the passion and commitment which that association has demonstrated towards this issue," he said.

"The AFLPA is committed to working with the AFL, Clubs and Past Player groups to extend the support provided to past players and will continue to develop its resources and programs in this area."