RECENTLY retired premiership player Mitch Morton thinks the controversial cost of living allowance given to players living in Sydney should be 20 per cent

Morton told AFL.com.au’s Gillette Trade Radio that those who have not resided in Sydney do not understand how expensive it is to live in the Harbour City.

"What I honestly think of the COLA [cost of living allowance] is it should be 20 per cent. Sydney is the most expensive place in Australia by 20 or 30 per cent," he said.

Morton spent two seasons with the Sydney Swans and played in the 2012 premiership.

He retired this season, ending a career that began with West Coast in 2005.

He then moved to Victoria in 2008 to play for Richmond before the Swans recruited him at the end of 2011.

He played 12 games for the Sydney Swans including a premiership, kicking two goals in the Grand Final against Hawthorn. He kicked 116 goals in 83 games.

"If you have not lived up there you wouldn't understand it. Every home opening you go to there are 25-30 people trying to get the joint so you have got to pay above and beyond just to get your head in the door," Morton said.

He said that some AFL rookies battled to live in Sydney even with the 9.8 percent allowance they receive.

"All in all it is a very expensive place to live."