The independent body responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Australian Football League. Ten commissioners, elected by the 18 member clubs, oversee the game at the highest level.
The AFL Commission comprises ten commissioners including the Chairman and CEO. Commissioners are elected by the 18 AFL member clubs and serve four-year terms.
Source: afl.com.au →
The AFL Commission is the governing body of the Australian Football League, established in 1985 following the merger of VFL clubs and the creation of the national competition. It operates independently from the clubs and is responsible for the laws of the game, the national competition structure, and the long-term strategic interests of Australian rules football.
The Commission appoints the CEO, who oversees the AFL executive. Together they manage everything from broadcast rights and player rules to expansion into new markets and the AFL Women's competition. All significant rule changes, licence grants and competition structure decisions require Commission approval.
Each of the 18 AFL clubs holds one vote. Commissioners are elected by a majority of clubs and serve four-year terms, with a maximum of three terms. The Commission meets approximately eight times per year and maintains subcommittees covering areas such as game development, football rules, and integrity.
The Chairman is elected by the commissioners themselves, not directly by the clubs. The CEO is an appointed executive position, not an elected commissioner role, though the CEO sits on the Commission as a full member with voting rights.
Each club elects the Commission. Explore their boards and governance pages.