The AFLPA is ready to announce an upgrade on its past players fund in April, revealing a "$55 million fund over five years", up from the original $4 million per season.

Placed in line with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that will run until the end of 2027, AFLPA boss Paul Marsh said the governing body is doing everything in its power to assist with life after football.

The nation was plunged into devastation following the tragic deaths of former AFL players Troy Selwood and Adam Hunter, reminding the league of its importance to maintain and improve the support offered to its past players.

"We're about to launch in April a $55 million fund over five years that's offering a lot of programs, services, support to past players," Marsh said on SEN.

"There's a lot that's in place now."

In a bid to reassure past players of the help on offer, independent not-for-profit organisation FIFTHQTR Foundation - created in 2021 - has attempted to work in tandem with the AFLPA and AFL.

The registered non-profit, founded by Ken Hunter and his former Carlton teammate Ken Sheldon, outline its objectives to create a "safe haven" and scheme for financial security for former footballers.

Marsh welcomed the work of the foundation, saying the AFLPA would be remiss not to work in tandem with the independent support group.

"Our view with the FifthQtr is if you can complement (our work with the AFL), then great, and we'll work with you," Marsh added.

"We've got over 5000 past players as members .The fund that we've got in place covers certain things that the past players have told us that are important.

"Things like a life-time health care program (operations covered); mental health services; got a hardship fund; soon we'll be launching a serious injury fund; we do career-ending injuries; retirement benefits; superannuation fund; hospital access.

"If these guys (FifthQtr) can complement that, then great... but our message to them is don't (negate) what we're doing, add to what we're doing."

Marsh also curbed the notion that a one-strike policy wouldn't be beneficial to players as the AFL attempts to regoniate the Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP).

The AFLPA boss reflected on the harm it would do if players were discarded after a singular mistake, especially since entering the high-pressure environment of professional football at such young ages.