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A decade ago it was hard to believe that anyone could earn $10 million playing AFL, let alone over the course of one contract.
Then along came Lance Franklin.
So if Lance has proven that a nine-year contract can work (albeit for one season), who else should get nine years?
9. Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
Despite being four months away from his 19th birthday, Bontempelli has proven himself to be the outstanding player of the 2013 draft class.
An ability to tackle, kick goals and work inside means he is the complete package in the making. Add on a 192cm, 85kg frame and he comes right from the Josh Kennedy or Fremantle school of midfielders.
8. Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
A proven talent for a number of seasons now and beginning to show himself as an outstanding leader. Kicks goals, wins his own ball and is deadly outside.
The only nit picking you can do on Dangerfield is with the way that he throws his body around – he is a danger to himself and may not last nine years.
7. Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide)
Wines oozes the right mix of class and temperament. Has already proven himself on the big stage and has shown consistency beyond his years.
Tough at it on the inside and another potential leader down the line, Wines would be worth all of the nine years.
6. Adam Treloar (GWS)
First player from the expansion clubs and the only one on the list from GWS. Yes, they have a number of potential big talls who could become major players in a few years, but if you are looking at a nine-year deal you want production throughout and only midfielders can give that.
Treloar has been somewhat of a surprise of the GWS team but his ability to consistently find the ball and use it well has made him a crucial part of the Giants midfield.
5. Brad Hill (Hawthorn)
To look at Hill you would say his pace makes him both electrifying and important. However Hill is so much more than that explosive outside player.
He has workrate beyond his years and his decision making is elite. When you are playing for the reigning premier and are considered a crucial omission to the side it speaks volumes about your standing.
4. Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
Fyfe is not really compared to James Hird – both a blessing and a warning. Yes, Fyfe is extremely talented and is one of the most versatile players in the league, but as Hird taught us, an unexplained injury could be just around the corner when you play with such reckless abandon.
If fit, Fyfe is likely the backbone of multiple premiership sides in the next nine years, but he has to be conservative given his style.
3. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)
Just makes it on the age factor – he will be on the wrong side of the 30 in nine years’ time – however Cotchin is going to want to continue playing football for as long as he can.
He continues to close-in on a Brownlow medal, but it is leading a side towards ultimate success that is most important for Cotchin.
2. Dyson Heppell (Essendon)
A ball magnet who finds it on the inside and out, Heppell continues to show great poise and has improved markedly in his leadership. Has the sort of look that can be marketed around over the coming years and has the game to back it up.
1. Jaegar O’Meara (Gold Coast)
O’Meara was born to play this game and has a mind set that could be looked back on as genius.
While he is still growing, developing and maturing, everything O’Meara presents both off and on-field is that of a superstar in the making.
O’Meara will be regarded as the best of his time. The debate between Ablett senior and junior will be between the Suns’ Ablett and O’Meara over the next nine years.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Now that was a quick change of mind!
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