they work a 6 day week every other week of the year
I know its common now and a lot of players call it work, they are also covered by legal labor laws etc.
In saying that I know that's how professional athletes gain their income but I don't consider it work to play professionally a sport 99.9% of the players have loved since being a little one to now be at such a level they get paid above average wages for. I consider it a privilege their life long dream is a reality.
I understand their time in footy is different to Golf etc as their footy careers are much shorter, in saying that when they get to retirement age their are many players that go on to have successful careers afterwards.
Maybe im being pedantic but every time i hear them refer to it as work (Cotch does it all the time) i cringe.