AFL bombshell as union boss defects to cricket

AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh has resigned from the role after more than a decade.

He is returning to cricket, to head up the Australian Cricketers Association.

In his time at the AFLPA, he negotiated several Collective Bargaining Agreements, the most recent, in 2023, which delivered AFL and AFLA players a 37.1 per cent share of industry revenue, and more than $55 million to support past players.

AFLW players also transitioned from part-time to professional under his watch, with significant increases to their Total Player Payments.

His other major achievement was to partner with the AFL through the 2020 COVID period, hammering out a complicated revised pay agreement with then AFL boss Gillon McLachlan in a matter of days.

He has also been at the helm for significant initiatives around player injury and hardship funds, mental health and both illicit and performance-enhancing drug use.

He is primarily a sports labour leader who unlike predecessors such as Brendon Gale and Matt Finnis, didn’t leave the AFLPA to work as a club chief executive.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

His departure means that significant change has come to the AFLPA, with Darcy Moore succeeding long-time president Patrick Dangerfield last month.

Moore thanked Marsh for his lengthy service and said the players were fortunate to have had him in their corner.

“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,” he said.

Marsh will finish up at the end of May.