AFL players could agree to NBA and NFL-style media access in new pay deal

AFL players could agree to NBA and NFL-style media access in exchange for a fixed percentage of footy’s rising riches.

Scott Pendlebury playing for Collingwood. Picture: Getty Images

AFL players could agree to NBA and NFL-style media access in exchange for a fixed percentage of footy’s rising riches.

Players, inspired by US sports stars who throw open the change room doors before and after matches, are proposing to give the unprecedented inside access as part of a “partnership model” pay deal that has been put to the AFL.

Unrestricted media access could see all players agree to make themselves available for interviews before and after games.

Stars such as Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury, North Melbourne veteran Nick Dal Santo and Geelong forward Daniel Menzel have called for the barriers between fans and players to be torn down.

Dal Santo said the move could create a “cultural shift” in the AFL.

“As a sports fan myself, I know what it’s like to crave that behind the scenes access,” he told the Herald Sun.

“Opening the doors and giving media greater access is something that would no doubt enhance the fan experience and the quality of the AFL product.

“Players see this as the opportunity to lead a cultural shift that will bring fans even closer to the action.”

Scott Pendlebury engages with fans via Facebook Live after a match. Picture: Getty Images

Pendlebury has taken to engaging with fans on his Facebook page after matches.

“It’s great to be able to give the fans an insight into your emotions after a win or even a loss,” Pendlebury said.

“It’s something that the US sports already do really well and for us to aspire to.”

The AFL Players’ Association is in negotiation with the AFL for a new collective bargaining agreement that is to come into force next season.

Under the partnership model put to the league by AFLPA boss Paul Marsh in May, players would be paid a set percentage of the games’ revenues.

Menzel said after opening up about his struggles to overcome four serious knee injuries, he could see that fans could “relate to these challenges through the insight and access we have provided”.

“I’ve been able to share part of my journey and help others going through similar challenges realise what’s possible,” Menzel said.

Marsh is yet to receive a response from the AFL on the key issue of percentage of revenue.

Nick Dal Santo wants to give the media greater access to players. Picture: Colleen Petch.

He said the players wanted to help the AFL make the game a greater product from which the benefits could be shared.

“We have continually said that players have a desire to be genuine partners in the game,” Marsh said.

“A key part of this is doing what they can to make the game more attractive to fans, which in turn will help the game grow.

“Players have made it clear to us that they are prepared to contribute more to the game’s growth if those running it are prepared to embrace the partnership model as we are proposing.”

Marsh and a contingent of star players including Patrick Dangerfield Matthew Pavlich, Leigh Montagna and Marc Murphy pitched the percentage plan to the AFL Commission last month.

Club bosses will find out more about how the AFL intends to divvy up its record $2.5 billion TV rights money as a conference of chief executives continues today.