Players gather to discuss Collective Bargaining Agreement

On June 29, Over 400 Victorian players swarmed to the Palladium at Crown Casino, while in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Queensland interstate members of the playing group joined via video conference, culminating in a rare congregation of almost 800 players.

As the end of June 30 deadline approached and a CBA outcome remained unresolved, the AFL Players’ Association brought its members together to provide an update on the situation, and to work through its strategy for upcoming negotiations. The meeting provided a rare opportunity for players to share their views with peers from other clubs.

Introduced by MC and former Hawk Daniel Harford, Association president Luke Power first addressed the meeting. He encouraged the players to approach the meeting with purpose and to raise any questions and suggestions they might have.

“We may be fierce competitors on game-day, but this (meeting) reminds us that we are all part of a broader team,” said Power.

AFL Players’ CEO Matt Finnis spoke next, informing the group of the current state of play in negotiations with the AFL, and reiterating the importance of standing up for what they believed in.

“This meeting gives us the chance to talk about where we’re at, where we’re going and how we’re going to get there,” Finnis said.

“It’s about respect for each player, but also respect for your association.

"Players want to be treated as a genuine partner.”

After an enlightening address, Finnis welcomed comments from the floor, and players spoke up from every meeting room around the country.

Essendon great and AFL Players’ board member Simon Madden came to the lectern at the Palladium next. Madden is a past president of the Association, and had every player in the room fixated on him as he spoke with passion about the necessity for players to be courageous and supportive of one another to achieve their goals on and off the field.

“Football has come a long way since my time as a player, but so to have the needs of the players. As competitive as you guys are on the field, so to must you be united off it,” Madden said.

Madden’s stirring speech evoked a sense of responsibility within the players, as he explained that the stance they make today will benefit many generations of footballers to come.

CEO Matt Finnis followed on from Madden by asking players to raise their hands if they were in favour of the following resolutions of the Association board:

1.     The players resolve that the AFL’s proposals to date fail to address the key objectives of our claims.
2.     The players affirm both our claim and support for our Association in pursuing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement through continued negotiations with the League.
3.     If a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved, the Association is instructed to explore and, to the extent it considers appropriate, utilise the rights and process available to player under the Fair Work Act to facilitate an agreement being concluded.

The players’ support was clearly evident as they voted as one in favour of all resolutions.

As the meeting concluded, players from varying teams caught up for a chat in the foyer, and the Association board and Victorian delegates fronted the media in the adjoining press room to reveal the agenda and the mood of the meeting.

Finnis described the event as a positive exercise.

“Players very clearly indicated to us their commitment to securing a partnership agreement with the League whilst continuing to play football for their fans,” said Finnis.