In the wake of discussions about the expansion of the AFL and the potential outcomes of a new broadcast deal, AFL Players’ CEO Paul Marsh has told 1116 SEN’s Morning Glory program that players deserve their fair share of the AFL’s revenue.

“They put their bodies on the line week after week to make money for the game – and that’s their role – but they just want their fair share” – Paul Marsh

“At the moment, my view is that players are actually underpaid… They’re going out there, training and working harder than they ever have and that’s taking a huge toll. They put their bodies on the line week after week to make money for the game – and that’s their role – but they just want their fair share, and there’s a strong view that they’re getting under their fair share.

“The industry is profitable and I think that’s something that’s important to have a look at. The AFL made nearly 17 million dollars last year. The clubs, when you put them all together, are profitable; it’s just that there’s a situation where some of them are very profitable and some are losing a lot of money. I think the industry has got to take responsibility for how it shares its wealth amongst the clubs, and it’s not the players’ responsibility to carry the can.”

While Marsh admitted there’s likely to be “some tension” when negotiations with the AFL about the next collective bargaining agreement get underway, “because there always is”, Marsh described the AFL Players’ relationship with the AFL as “very respectful.”

“Mark Evans came out to our conference on the weekend and presented to the guys. He was very good.”

Evans was one of several guests invited to speak at the Players’ Association’s annual Directors and Delegates Conference held over the weekend. The event saw representatives from all 18 AFL clubs come together with the AFL Players’ Board to discuss a range of important issues regarding player rights and the current state of the game.

You can hear Marsh’s interview in full, below.