Old Association/New Challenges

With the handover of former VFL/AFL health care responsibility to the AFL Player Association has meant the freeing up of the independently run XMEN organisation to concentrate on engaging former players and some current day players in supporting the “Be a Sport Initiative” (Supporting impoverished Australian Children to a better life through the influence of sport).

Additionally the XMEN organisation is endeavouring to attract support from people and organisations outside the family of the AFL, namely other sporting codes, entertainers, hospitality, education, businesses, corporation and individuals with same philanthropic tendencies.

For ten years the independent XMEN organisation had lobbied for better health care services for former VFL/AFL players, now the XMEN organisation can take up the challenge of achieving a better deal for impoverished children through the power and influence of sport.

Although independent of the AFL, the XMEN organisation recognises the importance of its long time strategic alliance with the AFL, AFL clubs, AFL Players Association and indeed the approximate 7,000 living former VFL/AFL players. All of whom will be asked to participate one way or another in assisting  in the challenge of a positive outcome for a better life for impoverished Australian children.

AFL Xmen's Mission

Is to provide Australian children from impoverished families a sense of belonging by being exposed to new life opportunities through the association of sport by............

• Raising funds to pay for a minimum of three games to AFL games at the MCG and Ethiad Stadium (Exposure to a new environment)
• Raising funds to pay for team registration fees in their local area enabling impoverished children to play sport like all the other kids
• Raising funds to pay for team uniforms, shorts, socks, boots, etc for impoverished children who simply have no means to purchase them
• Raising funds for training programmes for impoverished children with leadership qualities, with the view of returning to their community to encourage others to join the “Be a Sport Initiative”
• Raising funds for children who have a desire to return to school to catch up on education, due to lost attendances through no fault of their own
• Seek co-operation from businesses and industry in offering work experiences to impoverished children of school leaving age who have been through the “Be a Sport Programme”

The X-Men have an affiliation with former AFL/ VFL Past Players

Originally named the V.F.L Combined Past Players and Officials Association founded in 1959 the concept was that former V.F.L Players from all clubs collectively could socialize with each other despite being very completive on the field. Officials of the clubs were included since at the time they too dedicated their time mostly for free.

In the late 1980’s when the A.F.L was formed the name changed to A.F.L Combined Past Players and Officials Association. By the year 2000 when the A.F.L administration changed, the AFL/VFL Past Players and Officials moved forward into the Millennium with their new Trade Mark look the X-Men. 

The Association is independent of the AFL however, the AFL X-Men recognize the importance of a strategic alliance with the AFL and the AFL players association. We enjoy strong bonds and mutually supportive relationship with our AFL clubs and we have a positive approach to supporting our respective teams. 

Our Purpose 

The aims and objectives of the AFL X-Men had changed considerably since 1959. We are still the primary Association for former VFL/AFL Past Players and Officials which provides a home, sense of belonging and acknowledgement for what they have contributed to Australian Rules football whilst assisting current day AFL players to make an easier transition from hero status to “Former AFL footballer”.

It is through our strong corporate connections, social and sporting functions that our fellow past players, provide support to junior sport development; helps local/ regional football and netball clubs, by providing skills training, mentoring programs, sports administration, player appearances and fundraising.  

The AFL X-Men has unshakable commitment to the community; recognize the heritage of Australian Rules football and our ability to facilitate business.

We are built on a foundation of independence; enjoy a strong profile and image.

The AFL X-Men are currently building a new website; the new site will contain Memorabilia for sale: Limited edition prints of the Scanlan card series, signatures and accompanied with a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity as well as, various other limited edition memorabilia. If you have any enquiries or, are after something specific please contact Ron O’Dwyer President of the AFL X-Men

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