The AFL’s powerbrokers
Every AFL club has a network of influencers who make things happen through their wealth, fame or political connections. This is our series on the people who have shaped their footy teams in the modern era.
AFL club powerbrokers
Cotton On dropped $1 million on a luxe Geelong corporate box. Some say they have a better view than the coach
Every AFL club has wealthy, influential or famous people working behind the scenes to boost their team. We go inside the corporate boxes at Geelong.
- by Danny Russell
AFL club powerbrokers
‘Never talked about this’: The power struggle that moved a Collingwood great to tears
Money is not a pressing concern for Collingwood, but the Magpies have grappled with a more destructive force.
- by Stephen Brook
The Hawks were ‘close to death’. These are the people who brought them back from the brink
Petty politics have been set side as the Hawks prepare to move to their new training base, the Kennedy Community Centre, at Dingley in Melbourne’s south-east.
- by Peter Ryan
AFL club powerbrokers
They’re the richest, most powerful Tigers supporters. But you wouldn’t know it
Every AFL club has a network of influencers who make things happen through their wealth, fame or political connections. In the fourth instalment of a series on AFL powerbrokers, we go inside the fundraising dinners among Richmond’s elite, and how a brush with Alan Bond in the ’80s changed them forever.
- by Michael Gleeson
AFL club powerbrokers
The $13,000 Carlton membership that opens doors to the rich and famous
While other clubs cling to the glad rags of their few rich supporters, Carlton have much deeper ties to business.
- by Sarah Danckert
AFL club powerbrokers
A multimillionaire who calls the coach in his hour of need: Inside St Kilda’s network of rich-listers and celebs
The Saints have no shortage of wealthy and celebrity supporters. This is how they roll.
- by Sam McClure
AFL club powerbrokers
‘Roll up your sleeves and do something’: The money men (and funnyman) behind Melbourne
There is one prominent name who looms large when it comes to helping the Melbourne Football Club with the financial resources it needs to be a power in the AFL.
- by Jon Pierik
AFL club powerbrokers
The Essendon white knight who paid more than $1m for ‘no-naming rights’ at the Hangar
In the latest part of our series on AFL club powerbrokers we take a peek at Essendon’s secret loans, influential coteries, factions and connections.
- by Jake Niall
AFL club powerbrokers
How a club legend, a meat billionaire and a former premier led the Crows out of the darkness
The revered Mark Ricciuto has been Adelaide’s most high-profile identity, but he is about to hand over some of his power. We look inside the Crows’ network of influence.
- by Daniel Brettig
AFL club powerbrokers
The secret that Western Bulldogs legend Peter Gordon has kept for 30 years
The reverence former political foes at Whitten Oval hold for each other speaks volumes of the power of love – the love for a football club.
- by Andrew Wu
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/the-afl-s-powerbrokers-20250423-p5ltn4.html