Women's sport trailblazers back netballers in dispute

Netball Australia's offer to its players earlier this week, which included an 11 per cent pay rise back-dated to October 1, was rejected.

A big sticking point was the player union's demands for a first-ever revenue-share proposal.

NA has agreed to that point, but the finer details are yet to be thrashed out.

The players' union and NA met again in Melbourne on Friday, and it's hoped a deal will be finalised at the weekend.

"Netball Australia, Suncorp Super Netball Clubs and the Australian Netball Players Association held constructive discussions today over a new pay deal," NA said in a two-line statement on Friday night.

"The parties agreed to finalise negotiations over the weekend and no further comment will be made until then."

Australia's netballers have been receiving plenty of support during the ugly and drawn-out pay war.

The Matildas and the Australian women's water polo team that fought for inclusion at the 2000 Olympics and went on to win the gold medal are the latest to jump on board to support the cause.

Both teams were honoured on Friday at the annual Sport Australia Hall Of Fame awards.

The women's national soccer team won the Don award for their inspiring World Cup performances, while the water polo team took out the Dawn award for their fierce lobbying of the International Olympic Committee ahead of the Sydney Games 23 years ago, and then winning the gold medal.

Given the significance of the two teams in Australia's sporting history, their support of the netballers is timely and symbolic.

The dispute hit a flash point on Thursday, with players union boss Kathryn Harby-Williams accusing Netball Australia of a publicity stunt with the announcement of their latest pay offer.

Diamonds star Jo Weston burst into tears discussing the dispute, while Harby-Williams said some players have slept in their cars as they have gone without pay from the sport for two months.

Simon said only a few years ago, the Matildas were also fighting for their pay rights.

"I really feel for the girls, I know what they are going through, fighting for your rights, for what you truly deserve and you are being starved off," she said.

"It really does affect people's livelihood, and not just on the pitch but your life off the pitch."

"They have the full support of the girls and hopefully they can come to a resolution in the near future."

Water polo gold medallist Taryn Woods hopes the dispute leads to a lasting improvement in the netballers' pay conditions.

"Out of something that's really difficult and challenging, hopefully will come something that's long-term change and something that's better for the athletes, the sport and women's sport," Woods said.

"While it's certainly a difficult time, they're fighting a battle not just for themselves, but for women's sport across the board.

"We're all behind them, absolutely.

"It's 100 per cent disappointing and challenging to hear, but out of adversity comes change, hopefully."

Australian Associated Press