Journalist Caroline Wilson says the AFL are determined to make male players take a pay cut to fund the AFLW competition.

In response to reports this week that the AFLPA had visited clubs to flag the possibility that the men would be forced to subsidise the AFLW wages, Wilson said there was “more than a chance” that the proposal would happen.

“The commission are absolutely determined that this is the way it has to happen, that the men have to fund the women,” Wilson said, speaking on ABC’s Offsiders program.

AFL BACKTRACK ON COMMENTS REGARDING AFLM NAME CHANGE

ROBBO: GET TO THE REAL ISSUES AFL, NOT NAME CHANGE DRAMA

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

“There is a view within the players union and some of the senior players and clubs that the AFL should be putting their hand in their pocket again to subsidise the next women’s CBA.

“The AFL are determined that the men are going to be the ones to do that.”

The current CBA and broadcast rights deal both expire at the end of 2022.

On Saturday, Gold Coast coach Dave Lake took a dig at the current earnings of AFLW players in his praise for his side’s first victory.

Camera Icon AFLW CEO Nicole Livingstone watches the match between St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs. Credit: AAPIMAGE

”When you ask the girls to give up their life for $1.50 and they produce… this is what I’m excited about,” Lake said.

A four-tier payment structure is currently in place for players in the AFLW competition.

The highest paid AFLW footballers (two tier-one players per club) will receive $29,856 in the 2020 season, rising to $36,222 in the final year of the agreement.

The lowest receive $16,263.

“There has to be a united salary cap, a united CBA as well as a united soft cap,” Wilson said.

“I’m not sure all the men, the senior delegates, are quite as across the line about this proposal as has been stated so far.

“It would be an unpopular stand to take if you were to say so publicly.

“It’s a tricky argument at the moment with media rights still up in the air.”