And the Power is also opposed to the AFL's expected compromise position of a seven per cent increase, pushing for the league's new television money to be used for clearing club debt and ensuring the survival of a 16-team competition.
Port wants minimal increases to the salary cap in the next two years.
The players need to modify their claim. The television deal, at the start, should be used to strengthen the clubs by reducing debt and financing better facilities for the players. Port also has sided against the AFL Commission plan to use the new television deal to fund new football development programs - the issue that led to the downfall of commissioner Terry O'Connor at the start of the season. A new deal between the AFL and players' union must be struck by June 30. The AFL must keep 16 teams for the next five years to meet the demands of the new television deal.