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AFL strike during pre-season is possible: Patrick Dangerfield

Brownlow medallist and Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield says the players will not back down in their search for a percentage-based agreement in the CBA – and says there remains the chance that players will strike in the pre-season series if the AFL doesn't meet their demands. 

The comments come amid revelations that the AFL is refusing to negotiate with the Players Association about the CBA. 

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Dangerfield: No players, no game

Players Association representative and reigning Brownlow medalist Patrick Dangerfield talks tough on the AFL's discussions with the PA over contract talks.

The AFLPA and its delegates from across the country are meeting in Torquay on Thursday and Friday. 

While the players' union was hoping that league chief Gillon McLachlan would be in attendance, Fairfax Media understands he won't make the trip down the highway, but instead two of Ray Gunston, Mark Evans and Andrew Dillon – the AFL's negotiation team for the CBA – will represent the league and present at the conference.   

The AFLPA is believed to be extremely disappointed at McLachlan's expected absence and sees his non-attendance as a snub. 

The Players Association has remained steadfast in its view that it deserves a fixed percentage of the league's revenue, not a pre-determined figure. 

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But neither the AFLPA nor the league have been willing to bend in negotiations, and a resolution is believed to be potentially months away. 

"Nothing's off the table at the moment," Dangerfield said in regards to next year's pre-season games. 

"It's a chance [we'll strike]. I'm not saying it's a definite possibility but certainly if nothing gets done then we need to look at all avenues in order to secure a deal.

"Yeah no doubt, no [we won't be backing down]. We have a clear direction from all 850 players who we as a PA represent and it's not until they satisfy our needs as players that we'll be satisfied." 

Those needs centred around the players' demands for between 27 and 30 per cent of the AFL's overall revenue, excluding some aspects such as gaming and government grants. 

The AFL has so far baulked at that request and – according to the AFLPA – is in fact refusing to re-enter negotiations with the Players Association. The AFL believes that accusation is untrue. 

Dangerfield said he's hopeful McLachlan will make the trip to Torquay and address the issue with the AFLPA delegates in person. 

"Well I hope so. We've got the representatives for every single club across the country … players coming from Western Australia so it's not too far to drive down the highway I don't think," Dangerfield said. 

It is a bit [frustrating].

As players there is no game and the game starts with us. We're a part of the AFL and we understand there are other areas of the game that need to be catered for as well and that's fan engagement and stadiums … but without players there is no competition.

"And at the moment, the AFL isn't speaking to the PA. We're not going to get anything done unless conversations start." 

Internally, the AFL isn't worried about the stalled progress of the negotiations, despite the players unwillingness to back down from their demands. 

"As Paul Marsh has already stated, we haven't reached an agreement – we're a fair way away so it will be good to sit down with the boss over the next couple of days and hopefully strike out a deal that's fair for all parties," Dangerfield said. 

with AAP

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