Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood wants gambling advertising to take a back seat in the AFL, and would take a paycut to do so.
The comments come following Collingwood youngster Jaidyn Stephenson's 10-game suspension for gambling.
Speaking on Fox Footy, Wood said he wants to do his bit to help.
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“I’d happily take less philosophically if that’s what it’s going to take to do the right thing and do what’s best for the code and kids coming through, then yes,” Wood said.
“But whether or not the AFL playing cohort that we represent on the board with the PA, whether that’s their opinion, I’m not sure that it is."
Melbourne's Max Gawn also told Fox Footy that companies were targeting AFL players.
“Betting companies target AFL players,” Gawn said.
“We have a lot of spare time, we’re known to be gamblers and we have the money.
“I remember when I downloaded my first app I had six emails from different betting companies all trying to get me on their VIP list. It’s a catch to try and bring you in.”
Easton Wood went on to say that gambling has become far too normal in the AFL.
“It has become so normal in the game and my big issue is what that’s saying to our younger generation to the kids that watch AFL,” Wood said.
“Are we saying, ‘AFL is synonymous with gambling’ and are we OK with that?
“Because at the moment it is. You can’t have a footy game without hearing the odds or who’s favourite or seeing the in game advertising.
“It’s everywhere and it’s out of control.”
Wood and Gawn's comments come after the Brisbane Lions announced they'd extended their partnership with betting company Neds for a further two years, just three months after Neds came on board as co-major sponsor.
Lions CEO Greg Swann said a strong relationship had formed between the two entities.
“They came on board in our hour of need when we were on the hunt for a co-major sponsor,” Swann said.
“We have really enjoyed working with them so far and we’re delighted to continue on with them for another two years.”
Neds CEO Jason Scott agreed with Swann.
"Over a short period of time we have quickly established a genuine partnership between our organisation and the club,” Scott said.
"Neds is a young brand on the rise in the Australian wagering market and we see great synergies between the two businesses.
“We are a proudly Brisbane-based entity, which is excited to partner on the journey with the Lions as they strive for a flag."