Graduate 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.

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

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