What does an AFL player agent do?

An AFL player agent represents a player in contract negotiations with clubs and manages their wider career, commercial and off-field interests. Under AFL rules, only the player, their parent or legal guardian, or an agent accredited by the AFL Players’ Association can negotiate a playing contract with a club.

Contracts and negotiation

The core job is negotiating playing contracts and getting the terms right, not just the headline number. A good agent reads the clauses, the incentives and the risks, and makes sure the detail works in the player's favour.

Career and club relationships

Agents manage the relationships around a player, including clubs, coaches and stakeholders, and plan the moves that shape a career: when to stay, when to explore a trade, and how each decision fits the longer picture.

Commercial and brand

Beyond playing contracts, agents handle sponsorships, endorsements and the athlete's brand, so commercial opportunities are chosen and structured well rather than taken on the run.

Development and life beyond sport

The best representation treats the player as a person, not just an asset. That means education, conduct and planning for life and income after sport are part of the work, not an afterthought.

Who can be an agent

Only an accredited agent, or the player's parent or guardian, can negotiate an AFL playing contract. The AFL Players’ Association is responsible for accrediting and regulating player agents, and an agent can only sign a player once that player is at least 17 and eligible for the next AFL or AFLW draft.

Source: AFL Players’ Association, Selecting a Player Agent.