Unlike most of the Big 4 leagues in the USA, AFL (Australian Football League) contracts aren’t released to the public. Therefore a lot of speculation is created as to who is making the big bucks. Fox Sports has compiled a rough guide through research in the industry as to who are the highest paid athletes in the game. Of course, there a few surprises.
Only 2 players broke the the magic $1 million dollar mark for 2008- Chris Judd and Jonathan Brown. Chris Judd is one of the most recognizable players of the game, and his 5 year deal was the largest contract signed in AFL history when he moved to Carlton at the end of 2007. Jonathan Brown has been a Brisbane player all his career, despite offers from his home state of Victoria.
There is a gap of about $200,000 to the next group of players, which include some of the best Key Position players of the game.
Of the players making over $500,000, most are Key Position players, and are approaching or over 30 years-old (despite the top two being in their mid twenties). If a player is over 30, he can be classified as a veteran, which means only half of his salary counts towards the salary cap, which stands at just over $7 million.
Looking to the future of who will be earning some serious cash, Luke Hodge‘s current deal expires at the end of this year, and he will certainly command somewhere in the $700-800K range. Forward Lance Franklin, 22, will be earning over $500,000 next year, and is touted as one of the most promising players in the game. Expect a deal near $1 million a year for his next contract. Other players with higher earning potential include Gary Ablett Jnr., Daniel Kerr and Nick Riewoldt.
The AFL operates on a rookie pay scale similar to the leagues, so the initial starting salary is around $40,000-60,000. This is quite small considering the average Australian wage is about $50,000.
In comparison to overseas sports these players earn very little, but in terms of Australian sport only Super 14 or cricket players would command higher salaries.
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