The AFL has today announced the seven recipients of the inaugural AFL First Nations Player Leadership Scholarships, recognising current players from across the AFL and AFLW. 

The program aims to support senior First Nations players to further develop their leadership capability, strengthen post-playing career pathways and contribute to First Nations player leadership across the AFL industry.

The scholarships are the first initiative delivered through the AFL First Nations Impact Fund and recognise current players making a significant contribution at their clubs, communities and across the broader football industry.

The seven inaugural scholarship recipients are: 
Ally Anderson (Brisbane Lions) 
Charlie Cameron (Brisbane Lions) 
Jack Martin (Geelong Cats) 
Jy Farrar (Gold Coast SUNS) 
Jarman Impey (Hawthorn) 
Jy Simpkin (North Melbourne) 
Brad Hill (St Kilda) 
 
Each recipient will receive $25,000 to support their leadership aspirations, professional development and career opportunities beyond their playing career. 

Over the 12 month program starting in September, recipients will undertake a learning opportunity aligned to their individual future career aspirations, participate in First Nations player gatherings and AFL activities, undertake a tailored AFL secondment opportunity to build technical expertise and participate in a structured network comprising all scholarship recipients, which will involve regular engagement with AFL leadership.

The seven recipients have been recognised for the leadership they are demonstrating in the game today. 

Scholarship recipients will come together for their first meeting in September with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and the AFL’s First Nations Advisory Committee.

The announcement comes as AFLW Indigenous Round is being celebrated across Round 3 and 4 of NAB AFLW Season, providing another opportunity to recognise the contribution of First Nations peoples in strengthening Australian Rules Football.

Earlier this week, a record number of First Nations players were selected in the All Australian squad and final team, a further showcase of First Nations excellence in our game. 

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said: 
 
“First Nations people have made and continue to make an extraordinary contribution to football and continue to strengthen our game in so many ways,” Dillon said. 
 
“Whether it is the excellence we see on the field, the leadership demonstrated on and off the field, or the influence First Nations people continue to have on the future of football, our game is better when First Nations players are thriving. 
 
“These scholarships recognise seven outstanding leaders who are already making a meaningful impact and will provide further opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities and career aspirations beyond football. 
 
“Most importantly, this cohort will play an active role in helping inform the future direction of our game and ensuring First Nations perspectives continue to be represented in important conversations across football.”
 
AFL General Manager First Nations Engagement and Inclusion Taryn Lee said: 
 
“The scholarship program reflects the commitment under the AFL’s First Nations Strategy to retain and grow First Nations leadership in the game. The program recognises the existing excellence and leadership of First Nations players now and in the future," Lee said. 
 
“Charlie, Jy, Jarman, Brad, Ally, Jack and Jy have each demonstrated outstanding leadership within their clubs, communities and across the broader game and the First Nations Scholarship program recognises that leadership while investing in the next chapter of their careers and ongoing contribution to football. 
 
“The First Nations Impact Fund was established to create meaningful opportunities for First Nations people, and this program is an important first step in delivering on that commitment.”