AFL Careers | Grad Program

The AFL Grad Program aims to provide a dynamic entry point into the AFL, where you’ll gain hands on industry-wide experience and access to learning and development opportunities to foster relationships, build valuable skills and leadership capabilities.

This program isn’t just about kicking goals, it has a key focus on supporting both your professional and personal development.

Meet some of our Grad Alumni

Our grads will be supported by AFL leaders and mentors, participate in immersive industry-wide development experiences and have the opportunity to enhance job readiness, as well as personal and professional growth.

Through a structured and supportive induction and development program, you’ll experience all the AFL has to offer, including: 

A supportive community of like-minded future leaders
Insights from our AFL Grad Program Alumni
Industry immersions and access to uniquely AFL experiences
Access to on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring, and dedicated learning and development opportunities
Flexible and hybrid working opportunities – including collaborative office connect days
Access to Play Well the AFL’s health and wellbeing program designed to help you thrive in and out of work
A range of benefits, perks and exclusive opportunities through our AFL corporate partners and friends
Flex cultural leave to support our employees to participate in culturally specific activities

You’ll also get to participate in a variety of unique AFL experiences.

These could include:

Insights from our football department, elite umpiring team and game development experts
Experience Marvel Stadium and behind the scenes of game days
In-depth sessions with some of our key partners, including Champion Data
Participation in working groups to support key football rounds including: Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Gather Round and AFLW Pride Round
Experience AFL Club environments
Opportunities to attend AFL events

Click here to apply for the 2026 AFL Grad Program

Application period opens Friday 2 May 2025 and will close on Sunday 29 June 2025.

How do I apply?

We welcome a range of diverse and educational backgrounds in application for the AFL Grad Program – it might be law, arts, engineering, marketing and communications, sports management, finance, commerce, data, technology, HR, health and wellbeing – the list goes on.

You don’t need to understand the rules of Australian football to be successful in the AFL Grad Program. You do however need to be able to work well in a team environment, have a passion for learning and an aspiration for professional growth.

Check out our 2026 AFL Grad Program Pathways above.

Eligibility criteria

You are a 2024 university grad or soon to be 2025 grad, ready to commence full time in early 2026
You hold a bachelor’s degree (or greater) and have a minimum of a credit average (should you progress through our recruitment process you will be asked to supply your transcript)
Applicants must have Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, Australian permanent residency at the time of application, or hold valid working rights until at least 2027. Please note as these roles will be based at AFL House in Melbourne – we welcome graduates from interstate who may be considering relocating for such an opportunity
You must be free to attend a half day assessment centre in Melbourne in-person in late August 2025
You have successfully balanced your studies with previous work experience in the capacities of; part time, casual, volunteer roles and/or internship programs
Your cover letter tells us a bit about you, this can also include an optional short character reference – max 500 words e.g. lecturer, employer and coach

Do you have specific targeted roles for First Nations students?

The AFL is committed to developing career pathways for First Nations grads.

We have two pathways to apply for the 2026 AFL Grad Program. The First Nations pathway will provide eligible applicants with a culturally supported entry point and throughout the application process, eligible applicants will receive guidance from the AFL’s First Nations Employment Specialist.

We warmly encourage First Nations grads to apply via the link here.
What departments could I work in?

We have so many exciting departments across the AFL for you to experience. Some of these include Corporate Affairs, Finance, Procurement, Media, Marketing, Legal, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Data and Technology, Social Media and People. We’ll ask you to submit your preferences for streams in the application process.
How is the Grad Program structured?

The AFL Grad Program has been purposefully designed to provide Grads the opportunity to embark on a learning-rich journey within a nurturing environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Our program is one that empowers and inspires young professionals to reach their full potential and become job-ready leaders.

To ensure Grads within the program develop well-rounded industry knowledge, not only will they have the opportunity work across departments, there may be opportunity to explore working across business units and/ or spending time at an AFL Club.
What can I expect from the assessment and selection stage?

Shortlisted applicants that meet our eligibility criteria will complete a short phone/video interview with one of the AFL team. If successful through this stage – you will be notified via email and confirmed to attend an assessment day. The assessment day will require you to be available for an in-person selection process in Melbourne. Details of the assessment day are communicated to successful progressing candidates.
How can i prepare for interview/ assessment?

It always pays to be prepared! Find out everything you can about the program and us. It’s also worth reflecting on how your skills and experience can be of value. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with various AFL leaders, so we recommend you’re prepared to discuss your interest and understanding.
What are the typical working hours per week?

This is a full time role with a standard 37.5 hour working week.
Can I speak to someone to find out more about the program?

We have a dedicated email address you can reach out to if the questions you have are not answered here. Please ensure you refer to the list above before emailing gradcareers@afl.com.au.
What is the starting salary for Graduates?

Our starting salary is competitive with the graduate market. We'll discuss details of the remuneration throughout the recruitment process. We also offer a huge range of rewards and benefits outside of your salary.
Will I need to complete a Working with Children Check?

Yes. We will require all team members to have a valid Working with Children Check. We will reimburse you for the cost of the check when you start with us.
Not ready to apply for our 2026 program but interested in future programs?

Register your interest in future Grad programs via our expression of interest form.

Meet some of our Grad Alumni

Grad Program FAQs

Naming Rights Partner

Major Partners

Acknowledgement of Country

Applications Now Open

Grad Program Applicant Pathway

First Nations Applicant Pathway

What to expect from the AFL Grad Program?

Jerrika

Chris

Sapphira

Grace

Gabby

Naming Rights Partner

Major Partners

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Acknowledgement of Country