ON-DEMAND COURSES

The Certificate in the Business of Australian Football is a comprehensive course designed to equip aspiring professionals with the knowledge and skills required to excel in various roles within the AFL industry.

  • Module 1: Master Talent Identification and Recruiting:
    Gain the skills to evaluate players, identify potential, analyse performances, and make informed decisions about talent.

  • Module 2: Learn the Foundations of AFL List Management
    Understand how to structure, analyse, and manage team lists, balance drafting needs, and negotiate contracts effectively, including understand the AFL Soft Cap, total player payments, collective bargaining agreements, and trade period processes.

  • Module 3: How to Lead and Manage Football Departments:
    Learn to oversee operations, high-performance programs, budgets, and risk management while integrating men’s and women’s programs.

  • Module 4: How to Succeed as a Player Agent
    Build expertise in player representation, including stakeholder management, contract negotiation, and marketing professional services.

Master the skills required to identify, evaluate, and recruit football talent. Learn the fundamentals of player profiling, match reporting, and assessing undervalued talent, while understanding the pathways to a career in recruiting. Get industry-focused training to take your expertise to the next level.

  • Module 1: Understand the Fundamentals of Talent Identification:
    Learn how to evaluate players, analyse their performances, and identify traits that define potential stars.

  • Module 2: Recruiting Strategies
    Develop skills to create detailed player profiles by assessing physical, technical, and mental attributes. Build your expertise in writing effective match reports and analysing game performances to inform recruitment decisions.

  • Module 3: Decision Making and Analysis
    Gain insights into spotting hidden gems and recognising opportunities to maximise team potential. Learn how to evaluate a player’s off-field character, decision-making abilities, and overall fit for team culture.

  • Module 4: Career Planning and Pathways
    Learn the pathways to become an AFL recruiter

MASTERS PROGRAM

By enrolling in the Master of Australian Football program, you get access to ALL Apogee Sports courses.

This comprehensive program combines all of our course offerings into a single, powerful package designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to excel in the AFL industry.

  • All Apogee Sports Courses over 12 months:
    You’ll get access to both On-Demand courses, as well as all Accelerator courses across the course of the year. More information below.

  • Access to Industry Experts
    During your completion of the course, you’ll have access to our instructors to ask any questions that you may have about the industry and content.

  • Simple Online Access
    All our content can be accessed at the click of a button 24/7 and we have 6 month payment options available. You’ll also get a copy of all course material and recordings of Accelerator sessions following completion.

  • Career Support:
    During and after completing a course, you’ll receive a free career advisory call to help you map out the next steps of your career through networking and job applications..

  • Exclusive Events:
    You’ll receive invitations to exclusive events throughout the 12 month period where you can meet new people in the industry.

  • Merchandise:
    The first drop of Apogee Sports Merch is on it’s way and you’ll receive a piece of merchandise free of charge.

  • Professional Network
    Your network in football is guaranteed to grow through our Accelerator programs and exclusive events over the 12 month period.

ACCELERATORS

Kickstart your journey in recruiting with this foundational course. Learn how to evaluate talent, write match reports, and assess character traits while gaining a clear pathway to a career in recruiting. Build the essential skills to succeed in AFL talent identification.

  1. Learn the Basics of Talent Evaluation:
    Gain a foundational understanding of the key elements involved in identifying talent.

  2. Develop Match Reporting and Player Analysis Skills:
    Build expertise in writing match reports and conducting player analyses.

  3. Spot Undervalued Talent:
    Learn techniques to identify players with untapped potential and value.

  4. Refine Decision-Making in Recruitment:
    Understand the factors that contribute to effective recruiting decisions.

  5. Assess Player Character and Traits:
    Learn to evaluate players’ off-field qualities and how they align with team culture.

  6. Prepare for a Career in Recruiting:
    Build a pathway into the industry with practical insights and knowledge from experienced recruiters.

Step into the world of player representation with confidence. This course offers essential knowledge in contract negotiation, talent acquisition, stakeholder management, and player marketing. Learn the skills to build a thriving career as a professional player agent.

  1. Understand the Role of a Player Agent:
    Learn the core responsibilities and skills required to excel as a player representative.

  2. Master Contract Negotiations and Player Marketing:
    Develop expertise in negotiating contracts, managing player branding, and building professional services.

  3. Navigate Key AFL Policies and Structures:
    Gain a deep understanding of collective bargaining agreements, Total Player Payments, and trade periods.

  4. Build and Manage Stakeholder Relationships:
    Learn how to effectively engage with players, clubs, and other key stakeholders.

  5. Acquire and Represent Talent:
    Develop skills for identifying and signing new talent and supporting their career growth.

  6. Establish Yourself as a Professional Player Agent:
    Build the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the competitive world of player representation.

Discover how to build and manage a successful AFL team list. This course covers everything from analyzing lists and navigating Total Player Payments to drafting strategies and trade period insights. Develop the expertise to succeed as a list manager in the AFL.

  1. Understand the Fundamentals of List Management:
    Learn the principles behind creating and managing a competitive team list in the AFL.

  2. Balance Drafting Needs with Team Strategy:
    Develop strategies to align drafting decisions with team needs and long-term goals.

  3. Analyze Lists and Player Performance:
    Build skills to evaluate team lists, assess player performance, and make informed decisions.

  4. Navigate Total Player Payments and Contract Negotiations:
    Understand the complexities of player payment structures and the art of contract negotiation.

  5. Master Trade Period and Talent Acquisition:
    Learn to approach trade periods strategically and identify the best opportunities to enhance your team.

  6. Build a Career in List Management:
    Develop a strong foundation for pursuing a career as a list manager with actionable guidance.

Learn the core principles of managing football departments, from high-performance and well-being programs to AFL budget and integrity management. Gain insights into integrating men’s and women’s programs and mastering media messaging. Prepare to lead with confidence in the AFL environment.

  1. Leading High-Performance Programs:
    Learn how to manage football department operations and oversee high-performance initiatives.

  2. Navigate AFL Soft Cap and Budget Management:
    Understand the financial management principles, including budgeting and governance, within the AFL framework.

  3. Integrate Men’s and Women’s Programs:
    Gain the skills to build cohesive programs across both men’s and women’s football departments.

  4. Manage Integrity and Risk:
    Learn to implement and oversee integrity measures and risk management practices within your department.

  5. Develop Media and Messaging Skills:
    Build expertise in crafting effective media strategies and delivering impactful messaging.

  6. Prepare for Leadership in Football Management:
    Gain the knowledge and confidence to excel in leading football departments with practical insights from industry experts.

2025 ACCELERATOR CALENDAR

OUR ALUMNI WORK AT

INDUSTRY EXPERTS

BRAD LLOYD

EXPERIENCED AFL ADMINISTRATOR

STEPHEN WELLS

LONG TIME RECRUITER AND LIST MANAGER

RYAN WALKER

GENERAL MANAGER - APOGEE SPORTS

FAQs

  • While completing this course is an important step in enhancing your qualifications, it does not guarantee a job. However, we always recommend that you actively seek out any form of work in your chosen industry to build your experience and network. Gaining practical experience, even in entry-level or volunteer positions, can significantly increase your chances of landing your desired job. Additionally, continuing your professional development through courses like this and others will keep you competitive in the job market. Combining your education with hands-on experience and a strong professional network is often the most effective strategy for securing employment.

  • The duration of the course varies depending on your personal pace and availability. The quickest completion time we’ve seen is 3 days, but that participant was likely very dedicated, working late into the night! Most people prefer to work through the material over the course of a month or two, balancing the course with other commitments. Since the course is self-paced, you have the flexibility to progress at a speed that suits your lifestyle and learning style. Whether you want to complete it quickly or take your time to absorb the material thoroughly, the choice is entirely yours.

  • There is no strict time limit imposed on completing the course, allowing you to learn at your own pace. However, we do suggest aiming to finish within a year to ensure you benefit fully from the content while it remains up-to-date. In rare cases where we decide to remove a course or significantly update it, we may implement a one-year limit to ensure that all participants can complete the course while it's still available. Rest assured, we will provide ample notice if any changes that affect course availability are planned.

  • Yes, you will receive a certificate upon successfully completing the course. This certificate serves as a formal recognition of your achievement and can be a valuable addition to your professional portfolio. It demonstrates your commitment to ongoing education and your dedication to advancing your knowledge and skills in your field. Many of our participants find that the certificate enhances their credibility when pursuing new opportunities or advancing in their current roles.