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Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield says strike action during the AFL’s pre-season competition remains an option as the AFLPA seeks a better deal for players.
On the day the AFL announced the fixture for its rebadged pre-season competition, the JLT Community Series, Dangerfield told reporters it could be affected by industrial action if the AFL doesn’t resume stalled talks on a new revenue sharing model.
“It’s a chance, I’m not saying it’s a definite possibility, but certainly if nothing gets done then we need to look at all avenues to secure a deal,” Dangerfield said.
“At the moment the AFL isn’t speaking to the PA … we’re not going to get anything done unless the conversation starts.
“Nothing’s off the table at the moment … as (AFLPA chief executive) Paul Marsh has already stated, we haven’t reached an agreement and we’re a fair way away, so it would be good to sit down with the boss (AFL chief Gillon McLachlan) and hopefully strike a deal that’s fair for all parties.”
AFLPA delegates from around the country will convene in the Victorian coastal town of Torquay this week to discuss the stalled negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.
The AFL has baulked at the players’ demand for a new percentage-based revenue sharing model that they say gives them more incentive to help grow the game.
Dangerfield, a member of the AFLPA board, admitted it was frustrating that the league had broken off talks and reiterated the PA’s firm stance on the issue.
“We have a clear direction from all 850 players, who we represent, and it’s not until we satisfy the needs of those players that we’ll be satisfied,” he said.
“It is a bit (frustrating) … as players there is no game (without us).
“The game starts with us. We’re a part of the AFL, we understand there are other areas of the game that need to be catered for as well – fan engagement and stadiums – but without players there is no competition.”
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