Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has become one of the most powerful voices in the AFL after replacing Patrick Dangerfield as president of the players' union.
The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) announced on Tuesday that Dangerfield would remain on its board but was stepping down as president.
Dangerfield has been at the helm of the AFLPA since 2018, advocating about a range of issues in a stint that notably included the first joint AFL-AFLW pay agreement and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Danger has been a strong, effective leader of our association throughout his time as president," Moore said in a statement after being elected to the key post.
"I'm honoured and humbled to take over the position from such a respected figure.
"I'm a firm believer in the strength and unity of the playing group, and that we can continue to achieve great things for the players and the industry."
Moore has been on the AFLPA board since 2021, having spent the past year as co-vice president.
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires in 2027, with those discussions certain to chew up plenty of Moore's time in coming years.
The AFL and AFLPA are currently in talks about changes to the league's illicit drugs policy, with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon admitting last week the policy needed to be "refined" and "strengthened".
Dangerfield, who has been on the AFLPA's board since 2014, is the organisation's equal second longest-serving president.
"It's been a great honour to serve the players," the Geelong superstar said.
"There has been a lot of change since beginning in this role in 2018, and I'm proud of what we - as a playing group, board and association - have achieved.
"I'm thrilled to hand the reins over to Darcy, who is a passionate and respected leader within the AFLPA and the wider industry. The players are in safe hands."
Meanwhile, Chloe Molloy was voted onto the AFLPA board after Catherine Phillips' retirement prompted her to step down.
Kerryn Peterson will continue to serve as co-vice president, with Sam Frost promoted to that role after Moore's elevation.
