AFL Racism Class Action
FOR PLAYERS & FAMILY MEMBERS IMPACTED BY RACISM IN THE AFL
Margalit Injury Lawyers has filed a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria against the Australian Football League (AFL) on behalf of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander VFL/AFL players, and their family members, where players experienced physical and/or verbal racist abuse while participating in the AFL Competition from May 1980 to date.
If you’re unsure whether your situation counts, or whether or not you are eligible, we can review your circumstances and explain your options clearly.
Important Case Update
An important notice for potential Group Members regarding this class action has been approved by the Supreme Court of Victoria. It is important to read the Notice carefully as it contains important information that may impact your legal rights.
The Notice provides information about the class action, how to sign up and how to opt out.
The deadline for taking action in response to the Notice is 4:00 pm (AEDT) on 2 November 2026.
Click below to view the page with more information about the Notice, Registration Form and Opting out.
VISIT REGISTRATION PAGEGet in touch
If you want to join the case or are unsure whether or not you qualify as a group member, you can speak to one of our team members on (03) 9133 0288. All enquiries will be treated with utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to join the case as a group member?
— First Nations AFL Players – An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who played in the VFL/AFL between May 1980 and 9 October 2025 and experienced racial abuse while playing VFL/AFL (‘AFL Player Group Member’).
— Family Members of AFL Players – A family member or someone in a close kinship relationship with an ‘AFL Player Group Member’ who suffered harm in connection with that player experiencing racial abuse in the VFL/AFL.
— Deceased Group Members – An executor, administrator, beneficiary or person with an interest in the estate of a deceased person who would be an AFL Player Group Member and/or Family Group Member.
— Dependants – A dependant of an AFL Player Group Member, Family Group Member and/or Deceased Group Member.
If you want to join the case or are unsure whether or not you qualify as a group member, you can speak to one of our team members on (03) 9133 0288. All enquiries will be treated with utmost confidentiality and sensitivity.
Group members are still able to join to the class action by contacting our team before the registration deadline of 2 November, 2026.
Click here to register for the class action.
What is my role in the class action if I join?
As a group member, you will receive updates from our legal team when there are developments in the case and be considered in any settlement or judgement. You will not be required to take an active role in the day-to-day running of the case.
Why should I join the class action?
If you choose to be a part of this class action:
— Your identity will be kept confidential. The Lead Plaintiffs are the only people who will be publicly identified on court documents. Through this class action you can exercise your rights to seek compensation money without the general public ever knowing.
– You can pursue your claim risk free. The Lead Plaintiffs are the only people who take on any financial risk if the case is unsuccessful. If the case is unsuccessful, you will not owe any money.
We invite you to reach out to our team for a confidential, no-obligation discussion. Your first appointment is free.
What is the class action trying to achieve?
The Class Action seeks:
— Compensation money on behalf of group members to recognise the harm suffered by AFL players and their families as a result of racism in the league.
– To encourage truthtelling and healing, and seeks to amplify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander experiences in the AFL in a culturally safe and confidential space.
— Acknowledgement from the AFL of the harm suffered by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander players and their families as a result of racism in the league.
— To drive change within the game so that future generations of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander footballers and their families are not subject to the same experiences of racism that have occurred in the AFL for decades.
WORKING WITH US
Margalit Injury Lawyers are committed to consulting with and amplifying First Nations’ voices in our legal practise.
Our firm strives to be a part of the change that sees compassionate and culturally safe interactions between First Nations communities and the legal system.
We are here to be your sounding board, and to guide you through the process. No question is too small and we welcome you to contact us.
CALL NOW FOR A FREE
CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
Call 03 9133 0288
This artwork was created for Margalit Injury Lawyers by Laura Brown, a proud Muruwari woman, representing the AFL Racism Class Action. The piece uses wavey lines to represent the journey of players in the VFL / AFL, this class action and truth telling.
The larger brown circles represent the various First Nations communities around Australia. The blue dots (both big and small) represent family members, community and friends that are close to players and have supported them through their football journeys and continue to stand beside them.