THE THREAT of soccer and cricket luring the nation's best young athletes is partly behind the AFL Players' Association call to have its voice heard during the next broadcast rights negotiations, players' president Luke Ball says. 

The AFL has an existing five-year rights agreement with Channel Seven, Foxtel and Telstra, which runs until the end of 2016, but is keen to ramp-up discussions over the next deal and is aiming to reach an agreement by this December. 

"I think it will benefit everyone to start getting prepared for that," Ball said at the AFLPA's induction camp for new players on Monday.

"Start working together and start collaborating now and working out the best result for all stakeholders – from my point of view that's what it's always been about."

The next deal is expected to fetch around $1.5billion and a battle is reportedly looming between clubs and players for their slice of the pie. 

Ball said the AFLPA was yet to discuss whether it would fight for players to receive a fixed share of revenue from the deal, but it was important the AFL remained an attractive financial proposition for players given the intense competition from other codes. 

"We want to make it the most attractive game for young players. We've got the soccer (Asian Cup) on at the moment here and the cricket World Cup (starting in February), so there's plenty of competition," he said. 

"We want to make the game as attractive to young athletes (as we can)." 

Maximising opportunities during their AFL careers was a key theme as 122 new players were inducted at Etihad Stadium – with financial education and personal brand two big-ticket items. 

"I think we used to talk to a lot of players about what they can't do, whereas now we really want to empower players and get them to understand the opportunities that an AFL career provides are exceptional, and to make the most of that," AFLPA general manager of player development Brett Johnson said. 

"(Research) suggests that if you get that part of your life right it will help you on the field as well." 

Responsible use of social media, respectful relationships, illicit drugs and match fixing were also discussed and players were encouraged to contact the AFLPA over any issues in the game, such as anti-doping. 

"Not just on that front, but on any front," Ball said. 

"That's a lot of what today's about, taking control of your career and your profession. 

"So whether it be that or any other issue, if you have an issue make sure you pick up the phone and call the PA."