AFL Stars Raking in the Big Bucks: A Million-Dollar Boom
The Australian Football League (AFL) is witnessing an unprecedented surge in player earnings, with a significant number of elite athletes now commanding salaries well into the seven figures. In 2025, a staggering 58 players were on annual contracts exceeding $1 million, a dramatic leap from just 25 players who achieved this milestone the previous year. This financial boom is reflected in the average player salary, which has now surpassed the half-million-dollar mark, reaching $505,961 in the last season, up from $459,173 in 2024.
This substantial increase in player remuneration is directly linked to the rising salary cap, which stood at $17.8 million last season, an increase from $15.8 million in 2024. Consequently, the proportion of players earning less than $200,000 has dwindled, with only 10 per cent falling into this bracket in 2025.
The landscape of mega-deals is also evolving. While two star players were already earning a cool $1.6 million last season, they are set to be joined by emerging talents Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Tom De Koning in 2026. Both players have inked lucrative contracts that will see them pocket substantial sums.
Emerging Talent Secures Landmark Deals
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, a dynamic defender who has played 86 games, has signed a contract extension with St Kilda reportedly worth $2 million per season. Last season, he led the league in kicks per game with an impressive 22.3, despite his team finishing 12th.
Tom De Koning, a talented ruckman who has played 100 games for Carlton, is also set to benefit from the booming player market. He has agreed to terms with the Saints, with his deal expected to see him earn approximately $1.7 million annually from 2026 onwards. De Koning’s move to St Kilda came after Carlton opted not to match the significant offer presented by the Saints. Wanganeen-Milera, meanwhile, attracted interest from rival clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide, but ultimately chose to remain with St Kilda.
A Coach’s Cautionary Tale
Despite the seemingly positive financial outlook for players, a prominent figure in the AFL coaching fraternity has issued a word of caution. Chris Fagan, the two-time premiership-winning coach of the Brisbane Lions, has expressed concerns about the escalating player salaries, particularly in relation to the substantial deals secured by Wanganeen-Milera and De Koning.
Fagan voiced his apprehension, suggesting that such high-value contracts might be awarded based on potential rather than proven, consistent performance. “I’m hoping those numbers we saw last year, via St Kilda, don’t become a reality. I saw that as a bit of a danger for the game,” Fagan stated in an interview with AFL.com.au.
He further elaborated on his perspective, advocating for a system where the league’s most impactful and consistently performing players are rewarded with the highest earnings. “I think the best players in the competition deserve to be paid the most money and that’s not the case at the moment,” he remarked.
Fagan clarified that his comments were not a personal slight against Wanganeen-Milera or De Koning. He acknowledged Wanganeen-Milera’s potential to become a “really good player” and recognised De Koning’s long-standing promise, while also noting that he “hasn’t probably lived up to expectations.” Fagan’s overarching sentiment is a preference for “the better players” to receive the “big money.”
Beyond the Field: Ex-Players Thrive in Media
The financial uplift in the AFL extends beyond current playing rosters. Former players are also capitalising on their footballing experience, carving out lucrative careers in sports media. In 2025, AFL great Nathan Brown identified Kane Cornes as one of the highest-earning former players in the football media landscape. Brown estimated that the outspoken commentator commands an annual income of around $950,000.
Cornes has frequently found himself at the centre of controversy. Notably, North Melbourne imposed a ban on him from accessing club facilities, citing “bullying behaviour,” which was particularly highlighted in relation to comments made about young players Harry Sheezel and Jy Simpkin. His commentary has also drawn criticism from fellow media personalities, including his own co-host David King.
Despite the public backlash and media scrutiny, Cornes remains a significant and often polarising figure within the football media sphere, continuing to engage with fans and shape discussions around the game.
