AFLW collective bargaining agreement: Player strike threat as talks drag on over season length

The next AFL season is in doubt as players hold firm with their push for a 12-game season. Have your say here.

AFLW players could threaten to go on strike over the impasse in the length of their season as pay talks continue to break down with the league.

The AFL Players’ Association has been resolute that the AFL must expand the home-and-away season immediately to help fast track the women’s league.

The AFLPA wants a 12-game season this year and is pushing for full-time professionalism by 2026.

Melbourne players celebrate their victory in the AFLW Grand Final last season.

But the AFL has refused to expand on last year’s 10-round season.

“The first negotiating point with the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) was 10 games for the next nine years,” Western Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke told ABC on Saturday.

“The players will not take that, they will use the ‘S’ word (strike).

“No one wants to play 10. Give them a pathway to a proper league rather than an exhibition of women’s football tagged on to the men’s season.”