AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan earned $1.74 million in 2016, an increase of $20,000 on his 2015 wage package.

The AFL released key details from its 2016 financial accounts on Friday, revealing the League suffered a net loss of $17.8 million last year after grants and distributions.

According to the AFL's media release, the loss was in large part due to the early purchase of Etihad Stadium and the launch of the AFL Women's competition, with the League's expenditure increasing by $18.6 million to $186.9 million.

The poor on-field performances of powerhouse clubs Collingwood, Richmond and Essendon last season and their failure to make the finals also hurt the AFL’s bottom line.

The AFL's 11 executives, including McLachlan, earned a combined $8.08 million last year, up $80,000 on 2015's figure of $7.99 million. Excluding McLachlan’s wage, the remaining executives earned a combined $6.34 million, at an average salary of $634,000 a year.

The AFL's figures also revealed:

-       The League's revenue increased by $10.9 million to $517 million.

-       The AFL's operating surplus before grants and distributions decreased by two per cent to $330.4 million.

-       Clubs received $255.9 million compared with $245.2 million in 2015.

-       Game development grants totalled $41.6 million.

Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the AFL had achieved impressive results in each of its key indicators on the health of the game.