SYDNEY Swans veteran and AFL Players' Association board member Ted Richards says players are unhappy at being ignored by the AFL over their calls for two mid-season bye weeks for every club.

Richards, one of seven AFLPA board members, told RSN Radio on Wednesday that the increasing physical and mental demands on the players in 2016 made it ever more frustrating that they only received one extended break during the year.

The competition is in the third and final round of its mid-season bye period, during which each of the 18 clubs is given a week off, and while there is a general bye in between round 23 and week one of the finals, Richards said it was not enough.

"We're quietly filthy that the AFL haven't given us the two byes that we've been requesting year after year," he said.

"I know there's a second bye in there the week before the finals, but I think from a players' perspective, there's a lot of merit to having two byes evenly scattered throughout the season for all teams.

"It's great for the physical rest it gives your body.

"I think most teams give four to five days away from the club, but that mental side (is important) too, where you can reset yourself and take a weekend off.

"Whether you go away with your family or maybe still even watch some football, you don't have that pressure (on you) to get yourself up for the next game."

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich is AFLPA president, and his deputy is Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson.

Richards is one of seven AFLPA board members, along with Geelong pair Jimmy Bartel and Patrick Dangerfield, North Melbourne's Drew Petrie, Melbourne's Chris Dawes, St Kilda's Leigh Montagna and Adelaide's Rory Sloane.