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AFLW players given deadline to decide their future before the season ends

There are two minor rounds and finals still left to play in the AFLW season, yet some players have to make a decision on their future before then, reports ELIZA REILLY.

AFL skippers during the 2023 Captains Day at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
AFL skippers during the 2023 Captains Day at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

AFLW players who signed a two-year contract prior to season eight have until Friday to decide their futures as the re-signing period gets underway on Monday.

The new collective bargaining agreement has given AFLW players additional power after the league announced there was no longer a maximum contract length. Players can sign 12-month minimum contracts without a cap on maximum terms, giving athletes the power to enter into multi-year deals where previously the longest contract on offer was two seasons.

CODE Sports understands that players who previously signed two-year contracts for season eight, which is currently unfolding, and season nine have until the end of the week to either opt in with their current club, renegotiate their contract, or decline their existing season-nine contract and explore interest from other clubs. That’s despite the 2023 season having two rounds and finals still to play.

The AFL announced last week that the trade period will run from Thursday, December 7, until Thursday, December 14, with players able to move clubs during this time. Unlike last year, there will be no priority signing period.

The AFLW trade period will open on December 7. Picture: Michael Klein.
The AFLW trade period will open on December 7. Picture: Michael Klein.

The official re-signing period gets underway on Monday.

It shapes as a busy few weeks for list managers, but some players have already reached in principle agreements or have existing contracts in place.

The 2023 AFLW draft will be held in-person at Marvel Stadium on Monday, December 18. Prospective draftees have the option of nominating for a ‘national pool’ again or their home state.

Originally published as AFLW players given deadline to decide their future before the season ends

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/aflw-players-given-deadline-to-decide-their-future-before-the-season-ends/news-story/ef437b4ce485a1c4cd31a38643f55e7a