The Australian Football League Players Association made a "bold pitch to take part in the forthcoming broadcast rights talks in a simultaneous push for a percentage share of the game's future media revenue," according to Caroline Wilson of THE AGE. In a "significant policy switch," AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh put the proposal to AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan on Monday in a written request. The move comes as the AFL is "soon to start talks with free-to-air networks and Foxtel" and with the AFLPA working toward a new collective bargaining agreement. Marsh: "We are keen to have a seat at the table. If we all get in the room, there are things we could offer as players that could enhance the value of the rights." The players' push "comes on the eve of this week's meeting of the 18 clubs." While the clubs "remain divided on bridging the gap between rich and poor, most remain adamant that the next revenue carve-up should swing in the clubs' favour." However, Marsh has pointed out that until the next CBA was signed off, the AFL "technically had no product to sell to the broadcasters." Marsh: "The players are the performers. They put on the show. I'm sure there are ways we can continue to enhance the partnership" (THE AGE, 3/23).
