The head of Australian cricket's players union could be on the move to the AFL after emerging as a contender for the Melbourne Demons' top job.

Fairfax Media understands Alistair Nicholson has been sounded out by the Demons to replace outgoing chief executive Peter Jackson, who announced earlier this month he would be stepping down at the end of the year.

Australian Cricketers' Association chief Alistair Nicholson at a meeting of players during last year's pay dispute. Credit:AAP

Nicholson's star is on the rise after successfully negotiating for the retention of the revenue share model which had been the sticking point in the bitter pay war between the Australian Cricketers' Association and Cricket Australia last year.

ACA chief Nicholson had upset senior figures from CA, who believed he had been a major stumbling block in the protracted talks. Players, however, admired him for his resilience and calmness under pressure. If Nicholson was to make the move back to his former sport he would be the first senior figure from the dispute to leave his post.