Paul Marsh

A working partnership between the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) and Equity Trustees established back in 2011 has expanded with Australia’s leading trustee being awarded responsibility to manage and grow the $150 million AFLPA Player Retirement Account (PRA).

Originally appointed to manage the administration of the member registry when the fund was initially $12 million, Equity Trustees was appointed following a robust and competitive tendering process for the investment manager of the PRA. The appointment is from 1 April 2022 and also includes ongoing management of member services assisting players with their transition to retirement.

The PRA was established in 1999 to assist player members in their financial transition once they retire from playing football by providing a lump sum and periodic payments.

“We’re proud the AFLPA has recognised the quality performance results of our investment management team and are confident that members will benefit from our comprehensive service,” said Darren Thompson, Head of Asset Management at Equity Trustees.

“This appointment means Equity Trustees now manages more than $4 billion of assets for a wide range of clients. With responsible investing part of our approach, and a community-driven focus due to our work with charities and the for-purpose sector, and with Indigenous communities, we are well aligned with the AFLPA in terms of our values and our capability,” he added.

AFLPA CEO, Paul Marsh, said it was vital the players money was in safe hands.

“A playing career in the AFL is very limited, so it’s important that there are programs in place to reward players for their contribution and commitment to the game throughout their retirement,” Marsh said.

“The PRA is an important aspect of this, and we value the role that Equity Trustees has played in administering and managing the fund. We are pleased to be working with the broader Equity Trustees team and congratulate them on the appointment following a highly competitive process.”

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AMP AFLPA announce extension of their 20-year partnership.

AMP and the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) has announced an extension of their 20-year partnership to provide AFL players with default superannuation.

The re-appointment follows a comprehensive review process commissioned by the AFLPA and AFL, conducted by independent consultants.

AMP Australia Chief Executive Alex Wade said he was delighted to be continuing AMP’s long-term partnership with the AFL Players’ Association.

“This new agreement is strong recognition of the quality, competitiveness and security of AMP’s workplace superannuation offer.

“The quality and flexibility of AMP’s insurance offer, competitive investment management fees and insurance premiums, investment performance, diversified MySuper portfolios, and AMP’s comprehensive Financial Wellness and education programs, were all identified by the AFLPA as reasons for their decision.

“AFL football is an important part of so many people’s lives, and we’re committed to helping players manage their unique career and income profiles, and build sustainable long-term wealth,” said Mr Wade.

AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh said the review process highlighted that AMP’s offering remains best placed to service the unique needs of current and past AFL players.

“After an extensive independent review process, the AFLPA Board made the decision to continue with the AFL Players’ Association’s longstanding partnership with AMP,” he said.

“Through the review it was clear that AMP’s super fund was the preferred option to support the unique requirements of AFL players.”

AMP will continue to provide superannuation plans to more than 3,500 past and present AFL players as part of the agreement, and provide education services in conjunction with Shadforth Financial Group.

AMP partners with thousands of large and small businesses across Australia to provide superannuation to their employees.

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