AFLW season length still being negotiated: Dillon

The AFL wants a measured expansion of the women’s competition as negotiations continue over the length of the looming season, AFL chief executive elect Andrew Dillon says.

Dillon is remaining non-committal over the season’s duration as the players’ union push for an increase from 10 to 12 rounds.

The AFLW season is slated to start on September 1 but the lack of clarity about its length is creating angst among players.

“What we want to do, and I think the Players Association are across it … is actually have a plan with the players and the Players Association and the AFL and the clubs for a season for AFLW that makes sense for them and that’s sustainable and works for them,” Dillon told reporters on Monday.

“But we also want to have a three to five-year vision about how we expand the competition.

“We have had massive expansion over the first seven seasons and we’ll continue to do that. But we want to do it in a sustainable and responsible way.”

Asked if the approaching season would comprise 10 rounds, Dillon replied: “That’s a matter that we’ll discuss with the Players Association.”

No timeframe has been given on settling the season length as negotiations with the players’ union also continue over a fresh collective bargaining agreement.

AFLW players began their official pre-seasons on May 29. At the time, the league’s most decorated player Erin Phillips said starting training amid the uncertainty was not ideal.

Port Adelaide captain Phillips, a triple premiership player at the Adelaide Crows and dual league best-and-fairest winner, said all players could do was focus on preparing for their first game.

The players’ union is understood to be pushing for AFLW players to be given contracts covering a 12-month period, rather than the current nine months.

“That is a long-term focus and goal,” Phillips said on May 29.

“Right now, the aim is just to really get the start date, get a fixture for this year.

“Looking long-term, I know for the players, that is the goal eventually to become full time athletes.

“When that will happen, I’m not sure.”