Melbourne Demons chief executive Gary Pert says it’s bizarre that clubs are still in the dark about the size of next year’s list size and salary cap, stating there are players’ careers on the line.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the AFL and all 18 clubs to implement drastic cost-cutting measures this year.

The ongoing effect means the salary cap and list sizes are set to be reduced next year, but clubs are still waiting on exact figures from the AFL.

“It does seem a little bit bizarre that we’re all negotiating to build our list for a hypothetical number,” Pert told SEN.

“We’re all trying to manage our finances at the moment because of the pandemic impact on all the clubs.

“Two or three times we’ve been given an indication (on when that information will come) and it hasn’t eventuated.

“I think everyone is putting a lot of pressure on and we’re really hoping it gets articulated soon, because there’s players’ careers on the line.

“They’re waiting to hear that information. It is really critical information for everyone to know.”

Pert is confident the Demons will be successful in snaring Ben Brown, who has already been told by North Melbourne that he is no longer wanted.

The Demons have already said they won’t part with a first-round pick to trade in Brown.

“Whenever you’ve got a player that wants to get there, and the club wants them there, the deal normally gets done,” Pert said.

“We need two key forwards. All of the Melbourne supporters would have seen Sam Weideman battle the whole year.

“He needs another big-bodied player down there every week in combination. I think Ben’s shown he can do that.

“He’ll be an important ingredient for the program, and he’s keen to get there.”