Players Association reveals AFL players unhappy over racism response

A report from the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) shows fewer than one in five players who have experienced racism believe their incident was dealt with appropriately.

The newly-released report comes as the AFL is progressing an investigation into historic racism allegations from some First Nations players at the Hawthorn club.

The first Insights and Impact Report canvassed 92 players from the 2021 playing group who identified as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or as a person of colour, finding that one-third (29 players) said they had experienced racism while listed as an AFL player.

15 of those said an incident had occurred within the past 12 months, with another 13 in the previous five years.

The report advised “players reported the most common instances of racism as occurring on social media.

"However, more concerning were reported incidences of vilification from people within the industry."

Four players said they had been vilified by media, three by players or staff from other clubs, two by the AFL, two by teammates and one by club staff.

13 players said they had been vilified by spectators at matches.

The questions posed by the AFLPA were optional and some players who reported experiencing racism did not provide detail on the source.

Only 17% of players who were vilified were "entirely satisfied" with the response to their matter. While another 21% were "somewhat or partially satisfied" and 62% were not satisfied at all.

The report added "this disappointing response highlights an area of future focus for the industry.”

The report stated 81% of players were "entirely confident" they knew how to recognise and react when they saw or heard racism at their club or while playing in the AFL.

Another 17% were "somewhat confident".

The report went on to say “despite these high levels of confidence, 57% of players would welcome more support, tools and/or education to equip them in confidently responding to incidents of racism when they occur.”

As recommended in the report, the AFLPA will launch a Human Rights Framework and advocate for similar frameworks to be adopted by the AFL and clubs.

It was also recommended the industry review and refine its case management approach to individual vilification issues, as well as education and support tools for all players, industry stakeholders and the broader football public.