It seems as though we are about to see a salary cap introduced for the AFLW, possibly before season 2027 but certainly before the new CBA commences from 2028.

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1396344/clubs-growing-restless-over-aflw-contract-uncertainty

I feel as though the current tiered structure has penalised the top teams who have had limited flexibility around contracts for mid-tier players, allowing them to be picked off by weaker teams who can place them in a higher tier.

I know Eden Zanker left for lifestyle reasons, but it is also possible that Fremantle were able to offer her a contract on the top salary band, whereas she may have only been a tier three player at Melbourne.

It is very interesting that Brisbane apparently have all players being paid within the third salary tier. I guess the lure of regular premierships and finals every year is more attractive than a few extra dollars.

Once this is resolved it will also allow clubs to offer contracts that run beyond the length of the current CBA.

AFLW Salary Tier Structure (2025–2026 Season)

• Tier 1 (Top Tier):

  ≈$109,760is approximately equal to $ 109 comma 760

  ≈$109,760

  (approx. 2 players per club)

• Tier 2:

  ≈$89,559is approximately equal to $ 89 comma 559

  ≈$89,559

  (approx. 6 players per club)

• Tier 3:

  ≈$76,091is approximately equal to $ 76 comma 091

  ≈$76,091

  (approx. 6 players per club)

• Tier 4 (Base Tier):

  ≈$67,337is approximately equal to $ 67 comma 337

  ≈$67,337

  (approx. 16 players per club)

Agree that more flexibility in this regard will be helpful to us. Even just being able to go halfway or whatever towards what was previously a tier jump offered by another club. And the other lever of a longer contract, even at a lower tier.

I tried to figure out who might fit into which tier. Tier 1 Hore and Paxman (?). Tier 2 maybe Pearce, Harris, Hanks, Heath, Purcell, Lampard. Tier 3 Goldrick, Chaplin, Fitzsimon, McNamara, B.Mackin, Bannan... maybe switch one for Gillard or Campbell. Tier 4 everyone else, which is all the under 22s and less experienced older players. Who knows if that's how it actually is, probably not.

But even on speculation, you can see the squeeze points and players who'd be vulnerable to 'luring'. That'll never go completely (nor should it), but the more levers clubs have to pull, the better the outcomes on all sides, I would think.

Given that we've got 18 players who are OOC post-2026, the timing of any new rules could be crucial.