A bold statement has been made by AFL coach Chris Fagan, who is raising concerns about the impact of overpaid players on the league's future. Fagan, the mastermind behind Brisbane Lions' back-to-back premiership wins, has called out the eye-watering salaries of two St Kilda players, De Koning and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, as a potential threat to the game's integrity.
St Kilda made waves during the off-season, signing De Koning to an eight-year deal worth $1.7 million per season and rewarding Wanganeen-Milera with a two-year contract worth $2 million annually for his breakout season. These deals immediately made them the highest-paid players in the AFL, a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked a debate.
But here's where it gets controversial... Fagan believes that while the best players should be rewarded, the current situation is setting a worrying precedent. He argues that the league's top talents deserve the highest pay, but these deals seem to be an exception rather than the rule.
"I'd rather see the better players get all the big money," Fagan stated. He continued, "I'm not saying it's an insult to Nasiah, he's going to be a great player, but the numbers we saw last year via St Kilda could be a danger for the game."
The Saints' major off-season moves have certainly raised expectations. With a desperate need to make the finals and break the AFL's longest premiership drought, stretching back to 1966, St Kilda's actions have sent a clear message to the league.
However, the question remains: Is this a sustainable strategy? Will other clubs follow suit, potentially leading to an arms race of player salaries?
And this is the part most people miss... The Lions themselves have a fight on their hands to retain their own star player, Zac Bailey. With Bailey hitting free agency at the end of this season, he's expected to receive lucrative offers from rival clubs. Fagan remains optimistic, believing Bailey will stay, but the coach acknowledges that everyone has their price.
The Lions' roster, while balanced in terms of the salary cap, showcases a different approach. Their highest-paid player in 2025 was midfielder Hugh McCluggage, earning between $950,000 and $1,050,000. This stands in contrast to the St Kilda deals, highlighting the varying strategies employed by clubs.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Lions begin their campaign against the Western Bulldogs on March 7th. With a talented list that includes young gun Will Ashcroft and the potential leadership of Harris Andrews, the Lions aim to defend their back-to-back premierships.
So, what do you think? Is Fagan right to be concerned about the impact of these mega-deals on the future of the AFL? Or is this simply the natural progression of a competitive league? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
