History

At this point, the only source of funding was the annual $35 membership fee.

 Copies of the VFLPA Magazine - "The Footballer"

1975	1977	1978	1978

Former ACTU President & Prime Minister Bob Hawke addresses a VFLPA meeting in 1976.

 In late 1980, the VFL withdrew recognition of the players’ association, effectively leaving the players without a negotiating body.

In 1981, a pre-season match between Essendon and Fitzroy was threatened with strike action by the association over the VFL’s non-recognition of the body. The VFL halted the proposed strike by agreeing to recognise the association as the negotiating body for all players.

In 1984, Bryan Roberts resigned followed by Len Coysh in 1985, leaving Peter Allen to run the association.

By 1990, the VFL had renamed itself the Australian Football League (AFL). The players’ association followed suit, and signed its first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in tumultuous circumstances, as it worked through the negotiation process with the AFL.

The CBA was eventually finalised and called a Deed of Agreement.

In July 1992, the players’ association negotiated a new CBA, which included a minimum salary of $7,500, minimum payments of $750 per senior game, and $250 for a reserves game.

The AFL withdrew recognition of the association in January 1993, prompting a historic meeting of players at the Radisson Hotel in Melbourne.

The AFL had informed players that the standard contract would no longer exist and that all contracts would be negotiated individually between the clubs and the players. The players again threatened strike action.

In March 1993, the AFL and players’ association appeared before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC).

At this hearing it was determined that a dispute between the parties did exist and that the AIRC had jurisdiction to determine an Award. The AFL and association were instructed by the AIRC to attempt negotiations away from the AIRC environment. These negotiations led to the CBA of 1994-1995.

In 1995, negotiations began on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new CBA period was from 1 November 1995 to 31 October 1998 and increased minimum salaries for season 1996 to $15,000 and match payments to $1,000 per senior game. These payments further increased to $20,000 and $1,500 in 1997, and $20,680 and $1,550 in 1998 respectively. The players gained an increase in the share of revenue from marketing activities and an increase in injury and illness benefits.

By this time, 99 per cent of all AFL players were members of the association.

In 1998, the association underwent significant change. Long-serving president Justin Madden (at right) retired from football, and Fremantle’s Peter Mann took over the presidency. Peter Allen resigned as CEO after a twenty year involvement. Former North Melbourne and Hawthorn player, Andrew Demetriou , was appointed as the new CEO.

The new administration set about examining the views and wishes of players so that they could negotiate a new CBA (1998 – 2003) with the AFL. The association developed a statement of purposes and objectives to assist with CBA negotiations. An advisory board of industry leaders was     also assembled to direct the association into the future.

The new objectives and purposes focused on the need to enhance the game of Australian football and ensure that players played a strong role in the development of the game, received fair terms and conditions, and were apportioned an equitable share of revenue.

Through player feedback the association was able to identify the following key areas as its chart for the future:

- Player development
- Retirement
- Education and training

In 1998, the AFLPA achieved a membership of 100 per cent for the first time in its history.

When Andrew Demetriou left the AFLPA to join the AFL, Dr  Robert  Kerr (at right)  became AFLPA  CEO, taking up the position in June 2000.   Previously, Rob had been the AFLPA's Executive Director, Player Development.  A significant focus for the AFLPA at this time was to implement the player support programs and ensure that the shift to full time professionalism was balanced by efforts to prepare players for life after football. 

In 2003 a new CBA was negotiated between the AFLPA and the AFL.  The key principles for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (2003 - 2008) reflect a responsible attempt to balance the interests of the players with the realities facing the competition.  Preparations for the CBA took into account the key concerns of players whilst recognising the financial environment in which the game now operates.

Key features of the CBA are moderate increases in total player payments over the next two years with a review of player payments for 2007 and 2008 to be negotiated at the mid-term review, greater contractual security for players, and more flexibility in the operation of the veterans list.

In 2004 Brendon Gale took over from Peter Mann as General Manager - Football.

In late 2004, CEO Dr Rob Kerr announced his resignation to the AFLPA Executive Committee after five years of service.  Former Richmond player and AFLPA General Manager - Football Brendon Gale then took over the role as AFLPA CEO.

The AFLPA’s past, present and ongoing philosophy is to represent the interests and welfare of all players, while having due regard for the health of the game.

For more information about the players’ association, contact us.