Paul Marsh, the man who has spent the majority of his professional life bettering the workplace rights of Australian cricketers, is the new chief executive of the AFL Players’ Association.

Former Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) boss Marsh, the son of Test great and chief selector Rod, was announced on Tuesday as Matt Finnis’ successor.

Finnis quit the post to join St Kilda.

Marsh joined the ACA in 2001, was elevated to CEO in 2005 and became executive chairman of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations last year.