In an eye-opening statement that has sparked significant debate, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has openly criticized the extravagant salaries of two players from the St Kilda team, suggesting that such financial decisions could pose a serious threat to the integrity of the game. This comes at a time when St Kilda is making headlines after securing a remarkable off-season. They signed De Koning from Carlton for a staggering eight-year contract worth $1.7 million annually and rewarded Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera with a lucrative two-year deal valued at $2 million per season following his breakout year.
Additionally, the Saints have also welcomed Sam Flanders from Gold Coast, Jack Silvagni from Carlton, and Liam Ryan from West Coast, all on extended contracts. Such bold moves in the off-season have undoubtedly raised the bar for expectations surrounding St Kilda, who are eager to not only make it to the finals but also to inch closer to ending the longest premiership drought in AFL history, which dates back to 1966.
However, Fagan has expressed concern regarding the precedent set by the high paychecks granted to both De Koning and Wanganeen-Milera, who are now the highest-paid players in the AFL. In his remarks to AFL.com.au, he said, "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 emphasized that while the top players certainly deserve to be compensated handsomely, he believes the current situation is skewed. "That’s not an insult to Nasiah. I think he’s going to be a really good player, but how far he goes I don’t know. And ‘TDK’ has shown a lot of promise for a long time but hasn’t probably played up to expectations, and they’re getting paid extremely well. I’d rather see the better players get all the big money."
As the Lions gear up for the new season, they are faced with challenges of their own. The team lost standout defender Brandon Starcevich to West Coast during the free agency period and is now in a competitive battle to retain their emerging star, Zac Bailey. The 26-year-old player had a stellar season, scoring 42 goals in 2025, which earned him his first All Australian selection. With free agency looming at the end of this season, Bailey is anticipated to attract substantial offers from rival clubs. Fagan remains optimistic, stating, "I think he will stay. I suppose everyone’s got a moving price, haven’t they?"
The Lions, having clinched the last two premiership titles, are recognized for maintaining a balanced roster in relation to the salary cap, according to Code Sports' 2025 AFL Rich List. Midfielder Hugh McCluggage, at 20th place, was the highest-paid player on the Lions’ roster in 2025, earning between $950,000 and $1,050,000. Other notable mentions include Lachie Neale at 40th, Harris Andrews at 66th, Cam Rayner at 71st, and versatile midfielder Josh Dunkley at 91st.
In a promising development, young star Will Ashcroft, who earned consecutive Norm Smith Medals during the Lions' back-to-back premiership victories, has committed to the team until the end of 2030, which secures him through to his free agency.
Both Bailey and Port Adelaide's Zak Butters are expected to be among the most sought-after players when they enter free agency at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The Lions are proud to have one of the most skilled lineups in the AFL, which is set to grow even stronger in 2026 with the anticipated debut of top academy prospect Daniel Annable.
Meanwhile, Charlie Cameron has expressed confidence in Andrews stepping into the leadership role left vacant by co-captain Neale, who resigned amidst personal controversies related to his marriage. As the Lions prepare to defend their titles, they have yet to announce their leadership group for 2026, but Andrews is widely regarded as the frontrunner for captaincy, potentially supported by Dunkley and McCluggage.
Cameron believes that Andrews embodies the essence of the Lions, saying, "Obviously, Lachie has stepped down, it’s a huge role there to fill with the captaincy."
The Lions will kick off their 2026 campaign against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, March 7, at the Gabba.
What do you think about the escalating salaries in the AFL? Are they justified, or do they risk undermining the competitive nature of the game? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
