AFL and SAPA Strengthen “DRIVE” Leadership Program for 2026

The AFL has reinforced its commitment to off-field excellence by extending its partnership with Sports Advisory Partners Australia (SAPA) to deliver the DRIVE Advanced Leadership Program for the 2026 season.

Designed specifically for Club General Managers of Football, the initiative addresses the high-stakes strategic, regulatory, and governance challenges inherent in elite sporting environments.

The objective of DRIVE is to move beyond “learning on the job,” providing a structured environment where executives can sharpen decision-making and stakeholder management skills under the guidance of industry veterans.

This is particularly critical as the organisation prepares for a transformative 2026 season, which includes seven major rule changes and the historic return of AAMI AFL Origin.

The 2025 cohort established a new benchmark for cross-club collaboration, a factor AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon believes is vital for the health of the system.

“Footy clubs are emotional places… DRIVE brings together a really strong group of men and women from across the industry who have plenty to offer—and gives them the opportunity to build the leadership skills the role demands,” Dillon noted.

Mentorship remains a pillar of the program, with the 2026 faculty expected to draw on the expertise of seasoned leaders such as Brendon Gale, Peggy O’Neal AO, and Ameet Bains. By integrating contemporary leadership frameworks with real-world issues response, DRIVE ensures that the individuals managing the AFL’s multibillion-dollar football departments are equipped to protect their clubs’ reputations and people.

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