Reports: Players look set for hefty pay rise

AFL.com.au is reporting that players will be in line for a big pay rise of up to 20 per cent this year, as negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement near an end.

AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh is set to speak to all clubs on Tuesday about the deal, which could see the salary cap jump to above $12 million for the first time in league history, up $10.37 million from 2016.

With small details of the deal still to be signed off on, AFL.com.au believe a contract between the two parties will be signed before the season opener between Carlton and Richmond on March 23.

Reports suggest the approximate 20 per cent increase in the first year of the deal will be joined by a 10 per cent jump in 2018, with roughly three per cent rises for the remaining three years.

The increase in pay takes into account former veteran payments which weren't included in the previous salary cap, meaning wage increases will slightly vary between clubs.

This deal looks set to blow the previous one out of the water, as the last CBA deal that was constructed saw players grab just a seven per cent pay rise in the opening year of that deal.