"Partnership works - that's the message. And it's what the AFL and the AFLPA are starting to embrace," Nicholson said.
"Players and administrators growing the game for everyone as partners is how to make a sport successful.
"What these two parties are trying to achieve is what cricket has enjoyed for 20 years.
"I commend both Paul and Gillon for rolling up their sleeves and working towards a partnership based outcome.
"The AFL is at a different stage of evolving the partnership than cricket.
"But what's clear is that this sense of co-operation is the way to go.
"And that this deal was also based on the AFLPA having access to the necessary financial information provides a telling message in their partnership approach." Nicholson said.