AFL Players' Association CEO Paul Marsh resigned from his role and will be making a shock code switch back to his former position in cricket.
Marsh has been the AFLPA CEO for over a decade, stepping into the role in 2014 after nine years as the Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive.
Leading players through multiple Collective Bargaining Agreements, including the historic joint agreement that included both AFL and AFLW players.
His time as CEO has seen AFLW players progress from part-time footballers to full-time professional athletes who can receive multi-year contract deals like their AFL men counterparts, as well as help all players receive a 37.1 per cent industry revenue share.
Marsh's resignation comes after accepting a return to his old position as CEO of the Australian Cricketers' Association, one he held for nearly 10 years between 2005 and 2014.
Marsh said he was "proud" of his time spent in the AFLPA, which comes to a close in May, but is excited about his return to the summer sport.
12 current Essendon players, including captain Jobe Watson, and five former players now at rival clubs have been found guilty of using the banned substance Thymosin beta-4 during the 2012 season. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
"I'm proud to have served the AFLPA and its members for nearly 11 years, and it's a role I've absolutely loved," Marsh said.
"It has been incredibly challenging but also rewarding, and I trust I leave with the AFLPA in a better place than when I started.
"I make this decision with a heavy heart. What we do is primarily about people, and I've been so fortunate to have worked with an incredible group of staff, Board members, delegates, and members.
"I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that are ahead at the Australian Cricketers' Association and am looking forward to getting started in June.
"I want to extend a huge thank you to the AFLPA Board, who are an outstanding group of people that do an amazing job representing our members, as well as our staff, who are passionate and driven player advocates.โ
Collingwood captain and new AFLPA President Darcy Moore thanked Marsh for his long-standing contribution.
"Marshy has been a true player advocate, and all current and past players have been extremely fortunate to have had him in our corner for as long as we have," Moore said.
"What he has achieved for players in his 11 years at the helm can't be understated. The game is in as good a shape as it has ever been, and the playing group have never been in as strong a position.
"We'll miss him greatly but are looking forward to seeing what he can achieve for Australian cricketers and cricket more broadly."
The resignation comes after moving parts within the AFLPA were announced last month, with Patrick Dangerfield stepping down from his presidency to a smaller position on the board, with Moore stepping up into the higher role.
