March 2026

The SANFL Players’ Association has called on the AFL to increase funding for the state league, warning that low player payments are pushing talented footballers to interstate and country leagues offering bigger deals. The PA says additional AFL support is needed to address a significant shortfall in player payments and help protect the long term strength of the SANFL competition.

February 2026

Tensions are escalating between the South Australian National Football League and the SANFL Players’ Association as negotiations over a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement stall. A year after players voted to pursue a CBA, the league has declined to formally negotiate, prompting frustration from SANFLPA president Matt Crocker. At the centre of the dispute are concerns over player contracts, pay rates and working conditions, with the union arguing greater clarity and collaboration are needed to protect players and secure the league’s future.

December 2025

Recent media coverage has highlighted the increasing challenges SANFL clubs face in recruiting and retaining players, with strong interstate country leagues becoming more attractive due to a combination of lifestyle factors, incentives, and reduced time commitments. The article notes that the demands of state league football continue to place pressure on clubs competing for talent, prompting broader discussion around player conditions, sustainability, and the long term strength of the SANFL, and reinforcing the importance of ongoing dialogue between the league, clubs, and the Players’ Association.

July 2025

An article published on Adelaide Now reveals that many SANFL footballers are currently earning as little as eight dollars an hour. It highlights a statement by the SANFL Players’ Association which is calling for a fair and sustainable Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure players receive reasonable pay and the league remains viable.

March 2025

This opinion piece by Graham Cornes reflects on the first formation of a players’ association for the SANFL half a century ago and argues that now, more than ever, players’ voices need to be heard. It emphasises the ongoing importance of collective representation and advocates for the renewed SANFL Players’ Association to ensure that players have a seat at the table and a meaningful say in decisions that affect competition.

December 2021

This article highlights the 2021 re-launch of the SANFL Players’ Association, driven by past and present players. It outlines our goal to give SANFL footballers a stronger collective voice on key issues such as pay, welfare, scheduling and working conditions, and reinforces the Association’s purpose as an organisation created by players to advocate for players.

July 2025

In this interview on the FIVEAA Sports Show, SANFLPA President Matt Crocker outlines the key findings from the SANFL Players’ Association’s 2025 Conditions Report. He speaks about players’ welfare, working conditions, pay concerns and how the Association plans to use the data to push for meaningful change across the league.

July 2025

In this interview with Channel 7, SANFLPA President Matt Crocker discusses the key findings from the first-ever 2025 Conditions Report, a league-wide survey of SANFL players. The report sheds new light on life as a SANFL player, covering themes such as life outside football, player wellbeing, remuneration and match conditions. Matt explains what the results reveal about players’ challenges and ambitions, and outlines how SANFLPA plans to use this feedback to advocate for better conditions and long-term sustainability of the league.