THE AFL'S long-awaited player pay deal could be confirmed in the next few weeks, with League chief executive Gillon McLachlan cautiously optimistic.

The drawn-out negotiations with the AFL Players' Association have progressed to the point where the AFL will brief the clubs on Thursday on how the new agreement is shaping.

"We are close enough that we can give them a detailed briefing," McLachlan said.

"I'm optimistic we'll get it done in the coming weeks, but I can't really comment until it's done.

"We keep chipping away.

"We've had significant progress in the last couple of weeks on the substantive pieces.

"The deal is not done yet, until it's signed."

McLachlan said after delays and disagreements, the AFL and players' association had made breakthroughs in their talks.

"I hope it's done in the next weeks, the players association have come to the table and we're negotiating - we're making good progress," he said.

"I don't see huge hurdles but, until deals are done, it's not done."

Meanwhile, McLachlan hit back over a claim that two unidentified players had admitted taking the drug ice, saying allegations were easy.

McLachlan also defended the character of AFL players.

Earlier this week, Fox Sports rugby league host Yvonne Sampson said she had seen the two players taking the illicit drug in the off-season.

"They said that's OK - it's off season," Sampson said.

"It's almost like they earned the right to let their hair down and party because it wasn't during the season; they weren't in a club environment; they were out doing their own thing."

Sampson did not name the players or their clubs.

Her comments were made as the NRL reeled from a succession of drugs scandals.

"I've been told of the allegations. I obviously can't comment, other than to say our players aren't perfect, but they're good men," McLachlan said.

"We have great confidence in our drug policy.

"Allegations are easy."

The AFL has an illicit drugs code, separate to the standard WADA anti-doping policy.