SEN's Kane Cornes believes the wages of every single AFL player should be made public, in order to clear the "muddy waters" surrounding each club's use of the salary cap.
With the game growing and the cap getting larger year on year, Cornes believes transparency surrounding new deals would held media outlets report correct numbers, and fans would understand how their club divides the cap among the 44 listed players.
"With player movement set to increase dramatically in the coming years there is only one way to clear the muddy waters when it comes to club’s use of their $12 million salary cap," Cornes said on SEN's Whateley.
"Player wages MUST become public knowledge.
"Just yesterday the AFL released some figures in regards to what players’ earnt in 2017. We know nine players joined the million dollar club last year, whilst 20 players earnt between $800,000 and $1 million. Yet the AFL will not place names next to these figures. These players remain anonymous.
"There are many reasons this information should be readily available.
"Last season, Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon was heavily criticised by Footy Classified commentator Caroline Wilson, who took aim at Dixon for a series of mistakes he made in Port’s Round 10 loss to Geelong.
"The central theme of her argument was that they were unacceptable blunders for a player on his wage of $650,000.
"Power coach Ken Hinkley quickly responded by denying Dixon was as highly paid as speculated.
"This argument would have been avoided if Dixon’s wage was on the public record and available for everyone to see.
"In the new landscape of AFL contracts, transparency in the deals prevents different media outlets from reporting falsified numbers.
"The fans deserve transparency. It’s never been more expensive to go to the footy. Season tickets for the family, merchandise and food at the game equates to a significant investment. As key stakeholders, they deserve to know where their club spends its money.
"Remembering cellar dwellers Brisbane divide the same amount of money amongst their 44 players as does reigning AFL champion Richmond. I’d love to know who deserves the money at the Lions!"
The call for player wages to be made public comes afterthe AFL released the top earning players of the game for 2017, with nine players making over $1 million.
