#294 - Paul Connors - Behind the Game's Biggest Deals with the AFL's "Jerry Maguire"

Mar 15, 2026

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Paul Connors is the Managing Director of "CDG Sports" and affectionally known as the AFL's "Jerry Maguire". Since 1999, CDG have managed some of the biggest names in the AFL like Chris Judd, Paddy Dangerfield, Nick Daicos & Luke Hodge.

It was awesome to welcome Paul into the studio on the eve of the AFL's Opening Round and boy did we get some incredible insight.

Paul talks us through the biggest signing of the off-season...Charlie Curnow and how the deal was done. He shares why the deals take so long, how much say players get in the destination they end up in, why the conversations can become robust and thrill of coming to an agreement.

Paul tells the story of how he became an agent. From the early days of organising footy trips & selling his home to make his business work, to some of the mega deals & players he was able to sign.

We go behind the famous "Club 10" and the origin of commercialisation of players and what percentage of earning managers make.

You'll hear how they sign players to their management company, what happens when a player is out of contract and even when a club approaches them about a player on their books. It's fascinating insight.

Go behind the scenes of the documentary "Making Their Mark", the day-to-day life of a player agent and even where dinners are held for the most important meetings.

Plus, behind-the-scenes of the Chris Judd Trade & Callan Ward's decision to head to GWS.

This episode lifts the lid of the industry and answers all your burning questions.

Enjoy the one and only, Paul Connors!

Check out CDG Sports here - Home - CDG Sports

Follow Paul on Instagram @pauljconnors

Follow CDG Sports on Instagram @connors_sports

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