​​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon says the league has significant work ahead to reverse the declining number of Indigenous players at the top level. Speaking at the launch of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Monday, Dillon acknowledged concern over the sharp drop in First Nations representation across AFL club lists. The issue matters because Indigenous players have historically played a major role in shaping the AFL, yet current participation numbers have fallen dramatically in recent years.

There are currently 62 Indigenous players on AFL lists in 2026, down from a record 87 players in 2020.

In response, the AFL has announced a new First Nations Impact Fund that will invest approximately $300,000 annually in partnership with clubs.

The initiative aims to improve representation, support culturally safe environments and address racism within the game.

AFL considers extra Indigenous list spots

​Dillon confirmed the AFL is also exploring potential list changes to help clubs recruit more Indigenous talent.

“The plan for me is about providing opportunity,” Dillon said.

“That’s why we’re looking at investment in the talent programs as really important for us.”

“We’re looking at different list mechanisms potentially as well, but ultimately it’s about investing in grassroots, getting more boys and girls playing, and then making sure there are opportunities at the talent level.”

The AFL is considering introducing additional list positions specifically for Indigenous players, although no final decision has been made.

Dillon stressed the challenge extends beyond simply identifying talent.

“Then, when the players are drafted, we’re making sure the First Nations players are staying in the game as long as others,” he said.

“There’s plenty of work to do, but we’ve got targets in mind and big focus points.”

Brad Hill calls for more Indigenous voices

St Kilda star Brad Hill welcomed the AFL’s new sub committee focused on Indigenous participation but said more First Nations voices should be involved in the process.

A working group involving AFL and club officials met for the first time last week to discuss strategies for increasing Indigenous representation.

Hill believes former players such as Eddie Betts could provide valuable leadership and insight.

“It’s something that we want to work on. We want to get more Indigenous players at AFL level,” Hill said.

“There’s obviously something going on. I don’t know if it’s at grassroots or wherever it is, but we definitely need to put some things in place to get the numbers.”

“I think they’ve started off well with getting the committee and people behind the scenes to grow the game for Indigenous players and get more at clubs.”

Hill’s comments reflect growing concern within the football community about the long term trend.

Indigenous numbers continue to fall

While the AFL remains optimistic about future talent pathways, recent list changes underline the scale of the decline.

Dillon pointed out that nine Indigenous players were drafted last year, but 11 were delisted during the same period.

“The players are there,” Dillon said.

“Would we like there to be more? Absolutely, and that’s why we are doing that work.”

“It’s not only just about identifying talent. It’s then that the players are on a list. How can we make sure that the Indigenous player stays on the list as long as any other player?”

The AFL has increasingly focused on retention and support systems as key parts of the solution.

League officials believe improving cultural safety within clubs and reducing experiences of racism are essential to helping Indigenous players build long term AFL careers.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round remains central focus

Dillon and Hill were speaking during the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, one of the AFL’s most significant annual events celebrating Indigenous culture and contribution to Australian football.

The round has become a major feature of the AFL calendar and continues to highlight the influence Indigenous players have had on the game.

Dillon also confirmed the Indigenous All Stars concept will remain part of the representative schedule following the successful return of the team in 2025.

The AFL views the All Stars program as another important pathway for recognition and development.

No major expansion into Northern Territory

While discussions continue around Indigenous participation, the AFL does not currently plan to significantly increase matches played in the Northern Territory.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon recently suggested the league should stage nine games each season in Darwin to strengthen football pathways and visibility in the region.

However, Dillon said the AFL believes the current number of fixtures remains appropriate.

The Northern Territory will host three AFL games in 2026, including two in Darwin and one in Alice Springs.

“I think two or three or four is about the right number for the NT at the moment,” Dillon said.

The AFL continues to balance broader national expansion goals with investment into grassroots participation and talent development programs.

For more AFL news and Indigenous Round coverage visit.

The decline in Indigenous player numbers has become one of the AFL’s most important long term issues. While new funding initiatives and list changes may help improve opportunities, league leaders acknowledge meaningful progress will require deeper investment, stronger retention strategies and greater Indigenous representation within decision making structures across the game.