No material impact on competition: AFLPA flags free agency as key to next pay agreement

The Sydney Morning Herald - Oct 6, 2026

Free agency is under-used in the AFL and has not affected the equality of the competition, according to the players’ union – and could face a major overhaul as part of the league’s next pay deal.

Read full article

More News

Kangaroos players receive $40k. Every other nation gets $850 a World Cup game. That is set to change

Oct 6, 2026

Kangaroos players receive $40k. Every other nation gets $850 a World Cup game. That is set to change

The World Cup pay gap will be on the agenda during the next collective bargaining agreement.

Thorpe, Scooter reveal first piece of Olympic emblem

Oct 6, 2026

Thorpe, Scooter reveal first piece of Olympic emblem

Aussie icons Ian Thorpe and Grant 'Scooter' Patterson reveal the first piece of the emblem for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Gillingham boss reveals plans for Chatham cup clash

Oct 6, 2026

Gillingham boss reveals plans for Chatham cup clash

Gillingham will turn to their best young players for their midweek Kent Senior Cup game at Chatham.

‘I’ve got life experiences’: Why Jaymie Graham is ready to lead Kangaroos

Oct 6, 2026

‘I’ve got life experiences’: Why Jaymie Graham is ready to lead Kangaroos

North have had six senior coaches in the past eight years. Jaymie Graham narrowly missed out on the jobs at Carlton and Essendon this year. Now he’s the man charged with leading the Kangaroos up the AFL ladder.

The real reason behind St Kilda’s steep asking price for Marshall

Oct 6, 2026

The real reason behind St Kilda’s steep asking price for Marshall

The Saints want Brisbane midfielder Sam Marshall, and need a pick in the 20s from Geelong to pass on to the Lions for another academy prospect. That’s where Grian Myers comes in.

Roosters forward to attempt shock NFL switch

Oct 6, 2026

Roosters forward to attempt shock NFL switch

The Roosters knew they would lose Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton to a rival code, but the NFL could also be a surprise destination for another player.

Grave doubts for Green: Selection intrigue for Australia with all-rounder unlikely for first Test

Oct 6, 2026

Grave doubts for Green: Selection intrigue for Australia with all-rounder unlikely for first Test

Cameron Green is almost certain to be out of the first Test against South Africa in Durban due to the abdominal strain he picked up in the final, dead-rubber ODI last week.

‘A clear case of retaliation’: Team owner furious after NBL bars him from conference

Oct 6, 2026

‘A clear case of retaliation’: Team owner furious after NBL bars him from conference

The Larry Kestelman-led National Basketball League will hold a two-day growth conference in Sydney this week, but the chairman of one club has been barred from attending, reigniting a bitter feud.

Roos desperate to land Crows defender

Oct 5, 2026

Roos desperate to land Crows defender

North Melbourne has a huge offer in front of an Adelaide key defender, according to Cal Twomey.

Medvedev disqualified for hitting fan with ball, De Minaur reaches China final

Oct 5, 2026

Medvedev disqualified for hitting fan with ball, De Minaur reaches China final

The temperamental Russian offered an apology after a spectator in Beijing was hit in the face by a tennis ball.

Fowler takes leave from Matildas

Oct 5, 2026

Fowler takes leave from Matildas

Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has made herself unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.

Pendlebury's kids react to new kit

Oct 5, 2026

Pendlebury's kids react to new kit

The children of Scott Pendlebury react to him wearing a Gold Coast Suns kit for the first time.

Recommended