A bold statement has been made by AFL coach Chris Fagan, who has called out the astronomical salaries of two St Kilda players, De Koning and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, as a potential threat to the integrity of the game.
St Kilda made headlines during the off-season with their big-money signings. De Koning, a promising talent from Carlton, was offered an eight-year deal worth $1.7 million per season, while Wanganeen-Milera, who had a breakout season, was rewarded with a two-year contract worth $2 million annually. These deals immediately made them the highest-paid players in the AFL.
But here's where it gets controversial... Fagan believes these contracts set a worrying precedent. He argues that while these players show promise, they haven't yet proven themselves consistently at the top level. "I'd rather see the better players get all the big money," he stated. Fagan's concern is that such high salaries could distort the market and impact the overall competitiveness of the league.
And this is the part most people miss... Fagan's comments come at a time when his own team, the Brisbane Lions, are facing a battle to retain their star player, Zac Bailey. Bailey, who scored an impressive 42 goals in 2025 and earned All-Australian recognition, is set to become a free agent at the end of this season and is expected to receive lucrative offers from rival clubs.
Despite Fagan's optimism that Bailey will stay, the coach acknowledges that every player has a price. The Lions, however, have a more balanced approach to their salary cap, according to the 2025 AFL Rich List. Their highest-paid player, midfielder Hugh McCluggage, ranked 20th on the list with a salary of $950,000-$1,050,000.
As the Lions prepare to defend their back-to-back premierships in 2026, they'll be led by a new captain. With Lachie Neale stepping down amid personal turmoil, Harris Andrews is the favorite to take on the role, potentially with support from Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage.
The Lions kick off their 2026 campaign on March 7 against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba. With a talented squad that includes young gun Will Ashcroft and top academy prospect Daniel Annable, set to make his senior debut in 2026, the Lions are well-positioned for another successful season.
So, what do you think? Are these big-money contracts a necessary investment in talent, or do they pose a risk to the league's integrity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
