A large majority of W-League players would consider leaving the sport all together if the financial situation within the competition does not improve in the near future. 

In a survey conducted by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), a total of 111 W-League players across all nine teams were asked over 80 questions to gather a clearer understanding of their working conditions. 

From the respondents, it was found that 25 per cent of players earn no more than $500 for the entire season, while 85 per cent earn less than $5,000. 

On average, it costs players $2,237 to compete in the W-League, with 70 per cent of players insisting they were unhappy with their current financial situation and a whole 80 per cent indicated they would consider leaving the game early to pursue a better quality of life.

In contrast, the AFL has instituted a $5000 minimum payment for the inaugural AFL Women's season, which begins in 2017. 

Meanwhile, the new national netball league is set to have a minimum wage of $27,375, with an average wage of $67,500 - clearly setting the benchmark for women's sport in Australia. 

The pressure is now on Football Federation Australia (FFA) to improve the situation ahead of the new W-League season following the recent announcement of a W-League Working Party, established by the FFA and PFA. 

“The W-League Workplace Conditions Report demonstrates the depth of commitment the players have to their sport and the Westfield W-League. The players are willing to go above and beyond to make their competition a success," said PFA Chief Executive John Diduluca. 

“This research has been tabled with FFA and will be invaluable in assisting the W-League Working Party to identify the immediate priorities that need to be addressed to ensure the Westfield W-League can prosper.”

Another area that must be improved according to the players is their workplace standards and conditions, including travelling to away games. 

Three quarters of players said training and playing facilities were not up to an acceptable standard, while over half indicated that they do not have access to preventative and rehabilitation services from their respective club. 

A total of 60 per cent of players said travel and accommodation by their club is not conductive to an elite environment, including flying in and out on match days, providing their own food on away trips and large numbers of players sharing rooms. 

As for improving the league, the majority of players insist work must be done to extend the length of the season, and all players agreed that commercial and grassroots appearances need to increase to grow greater awareness of the competition.