Players in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) are considering industrial action as negotiations over improved pay and conditions intensify.
The SANFL Players' Association has confirmed that members will vote next month on whether to pursue collective action, including the possibility of strike action, after raising concerns about declining real wages across the competition.
According to a survey conducted by the players' association, the average SANFL footballer earned approximately $5,000 before tax during 2025, despite committing an average of 16 hours per week to training, match preparation and games across a 39-week season. Based on those figures, players estimate they are effectively receiving around $8 per hour — significantly below Australia's current minimum wage.
The dispute centres on the absence of a formal collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and its players.
Since 2022, standard SANFL contracts have reportedly classified players as permanent part-time employees, prompting the players' association to argue that footballers should be entitled to the same workplace protections available to other Australian employees. The group contends that if minimum wage requirements, superannuation and leave entitlements were applied, many players would be substantially better compensated.
Matt Crocker, president of the SANFL Players' Association, said the issue extends beyond financial reward.
"Just because they're doing something they love we don't think that should mean that they don't get the same protections as other employees in Australia," he said.
Among those supporting further negotiations is Woodville-West Torrens Eagles player Daniel Sladojevic, who said fairer compensation was important for maintaining the quality and reputation of the competition.
He argued that stronger financial support could help retain talented footballers who might otherwise pursue opportunities in country leagues or alternative careers offering greater economic security.
The SANFL has defended its approach, stating that salary arrangements must reflect the financial sustainability of the competition.
In a statement, league officials said their priority was maintaining a strong and viable league for clubs, players and supporters alike.
"Our priority is maintaining a strong, sustainable league for all stakeholders," the SANFL said.
League representatives also indicated that collective bargaining agreements are generally associated with competitions generating substantially larger broadcasting revenues than state-level football.
The debate has sparked broader discussion about the economic realities facing athletes competing outside Australia's major professional sporting leagues.
While SANFL football occupies a prestigious position as one of the country's premier state competitions, many players balance football commitments alongside full-time employment or tertiary study.
The players' association has suggested that both the SANFL and the AFL should work together to explore additional funding options to support state-level football.
Members of the association are scheduled to meet on 5 July, when they will decide whether to accept a proposed memorandum of understanding from the league or continue pursuing a formal collective bargaining agreement through stronger industrial measures.
The outcome could prove significant not only for South Australian football but also for other state competitions around the country, where similar concerns regarding player remuneration and workplace protections have been raised.
For now, players insist their objective is not to undermine the league they love, but to ensure those helping sustain one of Australia's oldest sporting competitions receive fair recognition for their commitment and contribution.
