AFL, Partnerships Account Manager
Learn how Brant followed his curiosity, worked his way through multiple organisations, before starting at the AFL, where he managed to progress to the role of Partnerships Account Manager, working at the AFL Grand Final.
Reuben Williams
July 25, 2025
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“It’s not what you know, it’s not who you know, but it’s who knows what you can do.”
Meet Brant Hubber, Partnerships Account Manager at the AFL.
Brant joined SportsGrad in 2021 and is now part of the AFL’s Partnerships Servicing Team, the people who make sure brand sponsors get the full value of their investment in the game. From client relationships to commercial rights, Brant’s role is all about delivering results, managing marketing assets, and helping brands reach fans across Australia’s biggest sporting code.
With previous experience at Cricket Victoria, St Kilda FC, the Australian Open and more, Brant’s built his career by combining front-line customer service with grassroots sport and event delivery. He’s coached, coordinated, chaperoned and even run clinics, all of which helped him build a deep understanding of how the business of sport operates on and off the field.
If you’re feeling stuck trying to land your first job in sport, Brant’s story will help you rethink your approach. You’ll see how everything from retail work to casual gigs can build real credibility, and how consistency, curiosity and connections are key. If you’ve ever doubted whether your part-time job counts, or you’re not sure how to break in without a fancy title, this is the reminder that progression is built, not granted.
🔥 Quick Fire Questions
What inspired you to work in sport?
Having grown up playing a host of team sports, a bulging disc injury in my back took me out of my local sports for 12 months as an 18 year-old. That period forced me to recognise just how much sport had given to me via a healthy lifestyle, connection to community and friends, and unforgettable experiences at major events. It was there and then that I decided I want my professional career to helping others reap those benefits that I did growing up.
What was your first ever sports-related role?
First paid role was a casual cricket program coach for Australian Sporting Camps.
What's one interview question you were asked to answer for the job you're in?
Why are you a good fit for this role? It’s a simple one but you must have a compelling answer.
A book or podcast recommendation that's helped your career?
Done Deal by Daniel Geey.
If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be?
Athlete! But for an admin job, I’d love to experience working for a broadcaster.
Brant & Reuben at the 2024 AFL Grand Final
What exactly does your job involve?
Once a sponsor signs a partnership with the AFL, they’re passed over to the Partnerships Activation/Servicing Team. We then ensure the sponsors receive all rights and benefits they paid for, that their sponsorship is achieving it’s desired objectives, and that the relationship with the partner is optimised.
What are some of the responsibilities of your role?
Account Management. Commercial Rights. Sponsorship Marketing. Client/Partner Relationships. Budget Management.
What does your career journey look like?
My first job was in retail at Myer which gave me customer service and communication basics. That helped me get a casual events role helping run corporate staff events. That then grew to the role at Aus Sports Camps coaching and running cricket clinics. Then with my sports and customer service background I got customer service/retail roles at the Australian Open and St Kilda FC. I then landed a Community Cricket Officer role at Cricket Victoria thanks to my Aus Sports Camps role. This grew into a customer service role at the AFL’s grassroots department thanks to my customer service, sports, and community sports experience. Then I got a Partnerships role at the AFL as my football and customer service skills translate well into partner services. Throughout the journey I put in hundreds of hours into volunteering and still support my local cricket club today.
What challenges did you face to break into sport?
A lack of patience. Everyone wants progression and or opportunities but it takes time and results to achieve this. Fortunately, I’ve had great guidance from my managers to help me with this.
How did you decide what career direction to take?
I followed my curiosity. My line of work is something I’m truly passionate about so when I noticed how much I was naturally seeking out info on the topic, I pursued it professionally.
Can you recall a sliding-doors moment where a connection changed the trajectory of your career?
Just about every role I’ve got has been through connections. Matthew Graham, who was previously AFL NSW once told me “It’s not what you know, it’s not who you know, but it’s who knows what you can do.”
When you landed your job, what do you think made you stand out?
To land my first job at the AFL, my demonstrated work ethic of securing many casual and volunteer opportunities helped. From there, I’m a big advocate of using STAR format in interviews and doing your best to put aside any anxiety.
What advice would you give to your younger-self to help them take action?
I would say be more focused on doing your immediate job to the best of your ability. And then do it better. If you’re a gun at your role, people will recognise and you can progress from there. That was something that I could’ve been better at earlier on.
What’s your #1 ‘pinch me’ moment working in sport?
Chaperoning the coin tosser to the middle of the MCG for the 2023 AFL Grand Final.
What do you think your life would look like if you hadn't pursued a career in sport?
I honestly think I would’ve found a way there eventually, but I otherwise would’ve given accounting a shot.
What would you say to anyone on the fence about joining SportsGrad?
I think for anyone on the fence about joining SportsGrad, if you want to be a part of a community and a group of people who are really supportive and helping one another to essentially achieve your goals, if you want more people in your corner, if you want more warm intros to people that you want to know, or if you want to become better at the craft of, networking, the craft of applications, then that's where the program is going to provide you with value.