AFLPA pushes for pay rise for AFLW players ahead of 2018 season

A POTENTIAL increase to AFLW players’ pay for next season will be discussed following the trade and re-sign period that ends on Friday.

The AFLPA is pushing for a pay rise ahead of AFLW02. Picture: Michael Klein

A potential increase to AFLW players’ pay for next season will be discussed following the trade and re-sign period that ends on Friday.

The AFL Players Association has put its position to the league and believes if the number of contract hours is to increase for the AFLW, so should the pay.

AFLW players were contracted for nine hours per week this season, but feedback from players suggests some spent almost double that amount of time preparing for matches.

Last season’s $8500 base wage was calculated pro-rata on an AFL male rookie wage of $29.32 an hour.

The base wage on the current deal will increase from $8500 to $9276 for tier three players, $12,000 to $12,846 for tier two players and from $17,000 to $17,946 for tier one players.

In a day of movement at clubs, AFLW best and fairest Erin Phillips announced she will return to the competition next season.

Phillips re-signed with the Crows after being waived from her WNBA contract with Dallas Wings. Phillips will also work with the AFL in a high performance coaching role.

Collingwood signed Hockeyroo Georgie Parker as its second rookie. The 28-year-old won Commonwealth Games gold and played more than 100 games for Australia. She retired from international hockey after the disappointing Rio Olympic campaign.

Her stepbrother is former Adelaide and Gold Coast Suns player Nathan Bock.

Collingwood forward Moana Hope is expected to be re-signed as early as today.

Melbourne was believed to be trying to do a deal to secure Carlton forward Bianca Jakobsson, but no paper work was lodged yesterday.

Brisbane forward Tayla Harris also remained in limbo last night.

Originally published as AFLPA pushes for pay rise for AFLW players ahead of 2018 season