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The AFL Players’ Association advises that CEO Paul Marsh has resigned from his role, after being at the helm of the AFLPA for more than a decade.  

Marsh has led the players through multiple landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, including the historic joint CBA in 2023 which delivered AFL and AFLW players a 37.1 per cent share of industry revenue, and more than $55 million to support past players. This followed the 2017 AFL CBA where players secured a percentage share of industry revenue for the first time.

Under his leadership, AFLW players have been able to transition from part time to professional athletes, by securing 12-month, multi-year contracts with significant increases to Total Player Payments and the minimum wage during various CBA negotiations.

During his time as AFLPA CEO, Marsh has also steered the players through the COVID-19 response and has driven strategic initiatives to benefit members such as the Injury and Hardship Fund, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Industry Review, as well as various initiatives negotiated in the 2023 CBA including the Competitive Balance Review, Marketing Fund and establishment of the Equity, Inclusion and Safety Steering Committee. He will finish up with the AFLPA at the end of May 2025.

Marsh has accepted a position as CEO of the Australian Cricketers’ Association.

“I’m proud to have served the AFLPA and its members for nearly 11 years, and it’s a role I’ve absolutely loved. It has been incredibly challenging but also rewarding and I trust I leave with the AFLPA in a better place than when I started.

“I make this decision with a heavy heart. What we do is primarily about people and I’ve been so fortunate to have worked with an incredible group of staff, Board members, delegates, and members. I’ve made lifelong friends and hopefully have been able to positively impact some people’s lives along the way.

“I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that are ahead at the Australian Cricketers’ Association and am looking forward to getting started in June.

“I want to extend a huge thank you to the AFLPA Board who are an outstanding group of people that do an amazing job representing our members, as well as our staff who are passionate and driven player advocates.”

AFLPA President, Darcy Moore, thanked Marsh for his lengthy service.

“Marshy has been a true player advocate and all current and past players have been extremely fortunate to have had him in our corner for as long as we have.

“What he has achieved for players in his 11 years at the helm can’t be understated. The game is in as good a shape as it has ever been and the playing group have never been in as strong a position.

“On a personal note, I’d like to thank Marshy for his guidance, advice, and support of me in the role as Board member and incoming president.

“We’ll miss him greatly but are looking forward to seeing what he can achieve for Australian cricketers and cricket more broadly.”

AFLPA Board Chair, Kristen Hilton, said: “Paul’s integrity, values, and leadership were evident from the moment I joined the AFLPA Board.

“He held himself to the highest of standards and fought fearlessly for the members and that was clear through what he achieved for players in the joint CBA in 2023 as well as many other agreements and projects throughout his tenure.

“The Board will immediately begin the process of appointing the new CEO and we will advise all members of the successful candidate once appointed.”

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