The AFL and the AFL Players’ Association have today welcomed a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which guarantees year-on-year growth of the NAB AFLW Competition and provides certainty for all AFLW players and clubs.

The new agreement, covering the 2020, 2021 and 2022 AFLW seasons, delivers an increase of 37 games, with additional pre-season and development hours for players and increased salaries.

The CBA also provides an increased focus on player development with a Player Development Manager committed to each club, together with a 65 per cent increase in player development funding.

Also agreed in the CBA is an independent AFLW Competition Review, the first of its kind for AFLW, which will enable the industry to improve its understanding of the unique challenges faced by AFLW players, and identify new opportunities to ensure the league continues to thrive.

AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh says 98 per cent of players voted to approve this CBA because it ensures growth over the next three seasons, and also sets the game up for long-term sustainability.

“The competition has taken great strides forward each year and this deal guarantees increases in wages, games, training time and funding for off-field support at a time when 120 new playing positions have been created through the introduction of four new teams,” he said.

“Our players have a strong desire to keep growing the competition, and while they accept they won’t play every team once within this CBA, growth in the number of games will continue to be a priority for players moving forward.

“We are also pleased to have a commitment to an AFLW Competition Review, which will allow us to work closely with players and the industry on matters of importance to ensure AFLW players have every opportunity to thrive.”

AFL Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the agreement reflects the AFL and AFLPA’s long-term commitment to women’s football – building on the four key pillars of opportunity, sustainability, community and building a premier competition.

“This is a great outcome for women and girls’ football across the country. It delivers certainty to the current AFLW playing group and allows investment in the future of women’s football to sustain the long-term growth of the women’s game at all levels,” Livingstone said.

“We’ve come so far, and we’ve gathered such momentum and possibility. As we continue on the journey of expanding the competition, 10 teams become 14 and 120 new players will get their opportunity to play next season.

“I thank the AFLPA for their advocacy on behalf of their members and most importantly the players for their passion, courage and commitment to the continued success and long-term sustainability of the competition.”