Public sentiment up and down on AFL pay
The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) is conscious of the fact that public sentiment is not always behind the players in their pay dispute with the AFL.
More than 700 players met across six cities on Wednesday night via a video link to vote on a resolution to reaffirm their support for the AFLPA as it continues negotiations with the AFL over the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.
AFLPA vice-president Luke Ball said public sentiment tended to fluctuate.
"There seems to be days where we do have the support of the general public and days when it can probably fluctuate the other way," the Collingwood premiership onballer said.
"It's certainly something that the players take seriously as well.
"We're not waging war, we want a fair negotiation and we want a good outcome for everyone involved -- players, supporters, clubs, all stakeholders."
Ball was flanked by a dozen AFL players as well as AFLPA chief Matt Finnis and president Luke Power as he addressed a press conference at Melbourne's Crown Casino following the 90-minute meeting.
"The numbers that you saw in the room tonight (about 400 players in Melbourne) and there were 300 more on video link shows not only that they support what we're trying to do, but also that we take our profession really seriously," Ball said.
"And also we want to make it as attractive a profession as we can for the future kids who are deciding what sport they want to play growing up."
AFL chief Andrew Demetriou is opposed to the AFLPA's demand for 25-27 per cent of AFL revenue to be locked in for players.
Demetriou said on Wednesday he believes players are entitled to their fair share of the new $1.253 billion TV rights deal.
But he added while players deserved a pay rise, it should not be tied to revenue.
Finnis says strike action is not on the agenda for the players.
But he said the players had directed the AFLPA to explore their rights under the Fair Work Act.
AAP gab/ej
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