The 2023 Victorian AFL captains at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.Credit:Eddie Jim
A senior industry source with knowledge of the agreement,who would not speak publicly before the vote,said the deal would ensure significant increases in the salary cap for male players and that the minimum annual salary for AFLW players would reach $70,000 by 2026.
The minimum wage for AFLW players in a bridging agreement for 2023 was close to $40,000 after being just $20,000 in 2021. The average AFL player’s wage in 2022 was $400,000 per year.
A major sticking point in the negotiation has also been overcome withan increase in the number of AFLW games in a season to also occur over the life of the agreement while the players’ association made public their resistance to winding back leave agreements for male players orallowing players to be traded without their consent.
The league and the players’ association in July agreed to keep this season at 10 rounds plus finals while discussions continued on extending the season. Players eventually want to play each team once during the home-and-away rounds.
Maddy Prespakis takes a selfie with Bombers fans after Essendon’s win over St Kilda.Credit:Getty Images
The $2.2 billion package is also expected to more than double the annual funding allocated to support past players and programs providing assistance. The players have continued to fight hard on their behalf.