A controversial move by St Kilda Saints has sparked a debate in the AFL community. The eye-popping salaries of two St Kilda players have raised eyebrows and concerns about the future of the game.
St Kilda made headlines during the off-season with their recruitment strategy. They signed De Koning from Carlton with an eight-year deal worth $1.7 million per season, and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, rewarding his breakout season with a two-year contract earning him $2 million annually. These deals instantly made them the highest-paid players in the AFL, a move that has many questioning the league's financial landscape.
The Saints also secured long-term deals with Sam Flanders, Jack Silvagni, and Liam Ryan, further strengthening their squad. With these major signings, St Kilda has set high expectations for themselves, especially with the longest premiership drought in AFL history looming over them since 1966.
However, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has called out these deals, believing they set a dangerous precedent. "I hope those numbers don't become the norm. I see it as a threat to the game's integrity," Fagan stated in an interview with AFL.com.au. He argues that the best players should be rewarded financially, but these contracts seem to contradict that principle.
Fagan continued, "Nasiah has the potential to be exceptional, but 'TDK' hasn't quite lived up to expectations yet, and they're being paid handsomely. I'd rather see the cream of the crop receive the big paydays."
The Lions themselves are facing retention battles, with lockdown defender Brandon Starcevich already lost to West Coast. Now, they're fighting to keep mid-forward star Zac Bailey, who is set to become a free agent at the end of this season and is expected to receive lucrative offers from rival clubs.
According to Code Sports' AFL Rich List for 2025, the Lions have a well-balanced roster when it comes to the salary cap. Their highest-paid player that year was midfielder Hugh McCluggage, earning between $950,000 and $1,050,000. Other notable players on the list include Lachie Neale, Harris Andrews, Cam Rayner, and Josh Dunkley.
After winning back-to-back premierships, the Lions have a talented squad, which will only get stronger with the addition of top academy prospect Daniel Annable in 2026. However, the leadership vacuum left by Lachie Neale's departure amid personal scandal has left a void to fill.
Charlie Cameron, a Lion himself, believes Harris Andrews is the perfect candidate to step into the captaincy role, citing Andrews' embodiment of the Lions' values and culture. The Lions begin their 2026 campaign on March 7 against the Western Bulldogs, and the question of leadership will be a key focus as they aim to defend their premiership title.
So, what do you think? Are these mega-contracts a necessary evil to attract top talent, or do they threaten the integrity of the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
