Chemist Warehouse Extends Landmark AFL Partnership with Focus on Officiating

Chemist Warehouse has announced a multi-year renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL), extending a relationship that has spanned more than a decade.

The deal reinforces the pharmacy retailer’s position as a primary health and wellbeing partner across the football ecosystem, supporting players, staff, and grassroots communities through the new integrated platform, “ALL IN for Footy.”

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy CEO of Chemist Warehouse, Mario Tascone, said: “For more than a decade, our partnership with the AFL has been built on shared values, community impact and a belief in what’s possible when you commit for the long term.”

“This announcement is a celebration of going ALL IN — for the game and for the moments that bring Australians together, on and off the field,” Tascone said.

The partnership also secures Chemist Warehouse as the official Friday Footy sponsor within the AFL Live Official App, ensuring the brand remains a constant fixture in the digital habits of fans.

Welcoming their continued support, AFL executive general manager of customer, Commercial and Technology, Bec Haagsma, added: “The AFL is thrilled to announce the renewal with Chemist Warehouse and continue the long-standing partnership.”

“We thank Chemist Warehouse for their ongoing support, especially the investment in umpires who are integral to our game at all levels – without umpires our game wouldn’t be played,” Haagsma said.

A central pillar of the renewed agreement is a significant investment in the AFL’s officiating department. Under the initiative, Chemist Warehouse will support AFL and AFLW umpires, while also funding development pathways within the VFL, VFLW, and Community Talent League.

The commitment is highlighted by a minimum $1 million investment over the next five years into the AFL Umpires High Performance Pathway, funded specifically through a portion of sales from Gello Beans and Gello Snakes products.

The timing of the announcement aligns with AFL Umpires Community Week (13–17 April 2026), designed to highlight the critical role officials play in the sport’s sustainability. The funding will provide emerging umpires with access to high-performance resources and structured development opportunities previously reserved for elite athletes.

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