Players turned down two offers proposed by the APL after the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) lapsed on June 30.
The APL called a snap press conference on Wednesday announcing its offer of a 12-month interim CBA.
The players' union, Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) subsequently accused the APL of attempting to "wedge" players with media tactics.
Melbourne Victory midfielder Grace Maher was involved in eight previous months of bargaining "in good faith" and said the announcement took players off guard.
"For the players, we felt just a little bit bypassed. So it was definitely disappointing," Maher told AAP.
"I was at my own NPL training and picked up my phone - don't usually expect to see so many messages that late at night.
"But look, we're still committed as players to take proposals and any serious offers. But we were definitely disappointed with how it was conducted."
The APL on Wednesday offered to boost the ALW salary cap from $640,000 per club to $900,000 and offer a roadmap towards full-time professionalism.
The APL said it previously agreed to 52 of 53 items with the PFA, with the ALW salary cap the sticking point.
"That little part of this CBA was definitely something that's held it up. But, for us, we don't agree to anything until we've agreed to everything. And that's a key thing," Maher said.
"So we're very disappointed in the process - that the APL have gone to the media to essentially try and show that they're being reasonable.
"But it feels like they're not listening to us - that it's not about the money right now. It's about what these restrictions can do to the growth of the league."
Maher noted even a minimum wage increase to $35,000 would fall far below a liveable wage.
"Do I see a need for a salary cap in the women's game?" she said.
"No, because I think it's more important we get everyone to the minimum Australian liveable wage full-time before we even talk about capping the league."
The APL has been confident it will avoid industrial action and Maher insisted the players didn't want to turn to strikes.
"But I think that would be what we would feel as players, we'd be cornered into if we aren't heard and felt like genuine partners in this collaboration with the A-League," she added.
"That (industrial action) is a real legal possibility. But for us, we're far from that because we do truly believe that there's a resolution in sight."
Maher reiterated players were considering the proposal, while noting it was only an interim offer.
"So in principle that can be agreed, but if it doesn't come with the steps that we believe change the game for the future, there is no point because we'll be back here having this conversation in 12 months' time," she said.
AAP understands some players have felt pressure from their clubs to accept the deal.
Maher said she had experienced "nothing but support" from the Victory, whose football director John Didulica is the former PFA chief executive.
The midfielder said players were realistic about the financial difficulties facing football but wanted to grow the women's game and see it thrive, especially after the home Women's World Cup and Asian Cup.
"We obviously know that financially the league isn't in the best position, but it has been better before," Maher said.
"So we know we need to change. We can't keep doing what we've been doing.
"The players and the PFA as a whole entity are ready to fight for that."
