In 2000, AFL players reached a pay milestone when two of them broke the $500,000 mark for an annual wage.
Just fifteen years later, that club was not so exclusive – it numbered 95 and the top couple were earning more than $1.2m.
The AFL’s annual summary of total player payments, released on Friday, details the steady growth in player wages.
It showed that clubs paid a total of $200.2m last year before deductions allowed for injury allowances, finals incentives and other factors.
That was a 5.96 per cent increase on the 2014 total of $188.9m and the first time the $200m barrier had been broken.
The annual release of the figures is becoming a none-too-subtle return of fire at the AFL players association, which is campaigning for a greater share of AFL revenue.
The comprehensive figures were attached to a Friday media release ahead of their publication in the AFL annual report.
That report will outline AFL executive salaries, another regular source of keen media interest.
1990 – top eight player salaries between $100,000-$200,000
2015 – 95 earning more than $500,000, two earning more than $1.2m
Gross player payments
1998 – $62,186,000
2015 – $200,199,169
Average listed player salary
2000 – $126,996
2015 – $302,104.
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.
Luke Hodge was adamant the right decision was made to call play back - but Cats fans disagreed!
They really DO call him 'Horny'!
At least they could see the funny side!
Could this be MRO trouble for Tom Atkins?
Port Adelaide's first quarter on Friday night at GMHBA Stadium was the best any team has played in 2024 to date. The next three…
