The AFL has appointed indigenous rights campaigner Tanya Hosch to a new role as the league’s head of inclusion and social policy.

Hosch, the joint campaign director of the Recognise movement for constitutional reform, appears to have scored the role ahead of retiring Labor senator Nova Peris who had previously been seen as the front runner.

“Tanya’s extensive experience in public policy and advocacy in women and indigenous affairs is a major step for the AFL, and I am delighted that she is bringing her leadership to our executive,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.

The AFL have been in search for a person to fill the role since Jason Mifsud took up a position with the Victorian Government in February.

Hosch was also the driving force behind the creation of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.

She also currently sits on the board of the Indigenous Land Corporation and this will be her first official role within the AFL.

“I am a lifelong football supporter, and I am thrilled to be taking on this challenge at the AFL,” Hosch said.

“I am excited about working with the AFL’s Indigenous Advisory Council and in the broader area of inclusion and social policy.”