The question Leigh Matthews says will make AFL players ‘squirm’ all year

It’s the question Leigh Matthew says will make AFL players “squirm” all season.

Fremantle champion Nat Fyfe was asked on 3AW last week whether he’d be comfortable taking a pay cut to help subsidise the AFLW.

“That’s not a question I’m willing to answer,” he said in response.

There are growing calls for AFLW players to be paid full-time salaries to help accelerate the development of the women’s league.

But it shouldn’t come at the expense of what the men earn, Matthews says.

“I’m prepared to say it – there is no way the players should be taking a pay cut,” he said.

“If you want to give the women’s competition more – from the AFL’s point of view – fine, bring it out of the game development budget.”

Caroline Wilson said there was no doubt many players were “completely horrified” by the idea.

“They (AFL) need to find the money to pay the women more,” she said.

“I don’t see the men taking a pay cut, and I don’t see why they should have to.”

Press PLAY below to hear the issue discussed on 3AW Football

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)