Contracts Longer Than My Last Relationship
In a league where footy careers were once a handful of seasons, folks are now locked in for the next decade. Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett just signed a monster nine-year deal worth $12 million, stretching his stay until 2034—longer than some retirees’ resumes. But hold onto your hats—Harley Reid, just 20 years old, is attracting whispers of a ten-year, $15 million-plus contract from rival Victorian clubs.
These multi-million-dollar marathons have the AFL skittish. They’re even sniffing around an NBA-style ceiling on contract lengths come the next CBA in 2028 .
Contract Length Trend – AFL Power Deals
| Player | Contract Length | Estimated Value | Locked Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kysaiah Pickett | 9 years | $12–12.5 million | End of 2034 |
| Hayden Young (Freo) | ~8–9 years | Undisclosed | End of 2033 |
| Mac Andrew (GC) | 7+ years (+trigger) | Undisclosed | Either 2030/34 |
| Harley Reid (Eagles?) | Rumoured 10 years | $15 million+ | TBD |
| Others (multiple) | 7–8 years | Varies | 2031–32 |
Why the AFL Is Stressed
- Risk of Long-Term Busts
Injuries or form drops can leave clubs stuck paying top cash for benchwarmers. Luke Hodge warns it’s “‘smart’ to limit contracts so clubs don’t get left in the lurch”. - Unknown Quantity Reid
Reid’s only played two seasons. Asking for 10 years at $1.5 m/year is a tough pill to swallow. Clubs worry he’s a gamble with his future output. - Protecting Balance Sheets
Melbourne did get AFL pre-approval for Pickett’s deal—but that was under newer protections. Next shake-up could remove that safety net.
Expert Views & League Moves
- “Very worried” sums up AFL’s mood—they wanted five-year caps in last CBA but didn’t get it.
- Caroline Wilson says clubs are being told 10 years at $1.5 m+ is the starting line for Reid jockeying.
- The AFL’s memo requires president and CEO sign‑off on any deal over six years.
- Luke Hodge supports a move to limit risk, noting clubs shouldn’t be nailed to contracts after players depart.
What Happens Next?
- 2028 CBA: Could feature formal caps on deal length (five vs. NBA’s five-year model).
- Harley Reid’s future: If Victorian powerhouses push $15m+ over a decade, West Coast will need to decide fast—or risk losing him.
- Club strategy: Avoid future saddles of mega deals for injured or out-of-form players.
Final Word
The AFL isn’t against paying big—but locking in teens for a decade is a whole new ball game. With mega-deals for ends like Pickett and whispers of bigger offers for Reid, the league might soon pull out the rulebook—NBA style—and limit the long-term risk. Until then, every footy fan should buckle up—we’re heading into contract territory never before seen in Aussie Rules.
