Lucifers Hero

Hence my question in the OP! I can't see the complete list in the HS article. I would expect most captains to be in the top 10.

The links work but a subscription is required to read the HS article.

In recent times elite players have toyed with the idea of of being traded but their long-term, lucrative contracts are like handcuffs to their club. Most recently Curnow and Merrett. I wonder how long before players realise that all those millions aren't worth giving up a chunk of control over their career. Youngsters like NWM and Reid may be wiser by signing short (two year) deals similar to Bontempelli throughout his career.

From the article below there is a list of 'notable' player salaries taken from the Herald Sun's Rich List which attempted to estimate/ compile a list of the highest-paid players in the competition for 2025. https://www.zerohanger.com/revealed-the-100-highest-paid-players-in-the-afl-167756/ Those that can view the HS article might fill in some of the gaps especially related to Demon and other leading players. The Notable Names 100 - Jason Horne-Francis ($650-$750k) 97 - Harrison Petty ($650-$750k) 96 - Tyson Stengle ($650-$750k) 94 - Riley Thilthorpe ($675-$775k) 85 - Liam Baker ($700-$800k) 79 - Griffin Logue ($700-$800k) 77 - Jesse Hogan ($725-$825k) 75 - Bailey Smith ($750-$850k) 72 - Daniel Rioli ($750-$850k) 63 - Harry McKay ($750-$850k) 58 - Darcy Fogarty ($800-$900k) 55 - Harry Perryman ($800-$900k) 52 - Jack Sinclair ($800-$900k) 44 - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan ($800-$900k) 39 - Dan Houston ($850-$950k) 34 - Jack Lukosius ($900-$1m) 26 - Rowan Marshall ($900-$1m) 14 - Tim English ($1m-$1.1m) 10 - Nick Daicos ($1m-$1.1m) 9 - Marcus Bontempelli ($1m-$1.1m) 8 - Brodie Grundy ($1m-$1.1m) 7 - Connor Rozee ($1.05m-$1.15m) 6 - Tim Kelly ($1.1m-$1.2m) 5 - Shai Bolton ($1.1m-$1.2m) 4 - Errol Gulden ($1.2m-$1.3m) 3 - Christian Petracca ($1.2m-$1.3m) 2 - Clayton Oliver ($1.2m-$1.3m) 1 - Tom Lynch ($1.45m-$1.55m) These are best guesses and don't account for front/back loading etc. The only Geelong players are Tyson Stengle and Bailey Smith but the others may be in the full list. The comment for him is: Bailey Smith's figure isn't as intoxicating as his football prowess, but sponsorship deals and outside commitments would likely see him dominate off and on the field. imv, that is a virtual admission Geelong is using off-the-books means to reward players to stay under the sal cap!!! Lots of captains missing in the top 10!! eg Cripps ... maybe Carlton have uncovered more brown paper bags and their sponsors are being very friendly to players ala Geelong sponsors/3rd parties and actual $ payments are kept low. It would not be unreasonable to think sal cap rorting is widespread. We seem the outlier to have two players earning plenty of cash sitting 2 and 3; perhaps we don't have that type of sponsor 🙅🏻‍♀️

That was an emotional read. I've gone from being neutral on who we trade to wanting Clarry to stay!

Happy to accept that title! 🙂😁🙃!

We got our revenge on Kelly and Geelong when we spoilt Corey Engright's 300th party, and twice in 2021: Max's goal after the siren to claim top spot and the shellacking we gave them in the 2021 PF. Let bygones, be bygones!

The AFL would not have the legal right to audit a 3rd party. Nor do they have the legal right to audit a player's personal financial/business dealings. Players would have elaborate company/trust/employee structures set up legally for their financial dealings. which would make 'follow the money' harder. The only party I see that can 'follow' the money' is the Aust Tax Office but they would need a reason to. Unlikely, as all the things I noted (plus others) would be legal. I often wonder why other clubs don't protest. Reckon it is because they have their own version of player/family perks. Freo and Eagles rumours have abounded for years.

None of such transactions would go thru Geelong's accounts. It would be via a third party and the AFL wouldn't have the right to audit it. Quite possible the 3rd party is a company or a trust. No hope there for the AFL to 'follow the money trail'. But it still needs to be a legal transfer. Potential to make money from the land: a 'peppercorn rent' to avoid it being purchased at market value. It could change legal status when the player retires. (DL legal eagles may confirm). the land may have potential for rezoning thus increasing its future value and a financial windfall. The player could create a farm thus allowing him to be classified as a 'primary producer' for income tax purposes. Given the types of expense deductions allowed and player marginal tax rate that would be a fairly juicy perk. There are other 3rd party perks rumoured for Geelong players and their families. I've long held the view that Geelong player salaries should be bench marked to the equivalent palyers in the league. That is really easy to do. The AFL should make them explain any significant deviations.

Echo chamber! A perfect description of AFL 'news'. Well done!

Very happy with that if that premiership is with the dees!!! .

I would say that is the reason. I was in the area on Friday and noticed it is about 2km from the Neerim Rd end to Caulfield station end. For those that don't know the area the Neerim Rd end is quite suburban. The station end has a pokies/sports type club (The Glasshouse) on the edge of the course and it is a short walk to various eateries on the NE side of the station. The club won't need to provide a social club/gathering place on site. Also, various tram lines are nearby. The station end will make it easier to keep admin and FD staff (and attract new ones) if using public transport otherwise they would face a decent walk. Ditto for fans. A home at last! Can't wait to congregate there on the day after another premiership ❤️💙 btw, thanks for keeping us updated.

You might like to transfer the discussion to this similar thread as discussion will most likely duplicate

Not sure which you are referring to. Its worth remembering AFL rules are that if a player wears club gear for a sponsor or ad, his payments are included in that club's sal cap. Not sure if there are AFL restrictions on when a player can wear club gear at public appearances. Practically the only real freedom players have to wear/post in club gear is training and games. To be fair to Tracc context should be relative to other high profile demons club/teammate related social media. And maybe he and other players want to keep communications with teammates private.

The dilemma for me is how to compare eras! Flower and Gawn have claims to the Best Demon but I've concluded it is Barassi! 6 x Premierships, 2 as captain 2 x Premiership BOG ie Norm Smith Medal equivalent 2 x BnF 2 x Leading Demon goal kicker (Somehow, I never knew this😲) 5 x Demon captain Widely recognised as the best player in the league and maybe GOAT. Never won a Brownlow most likely because teammates 'took' votes and probably not the fairest player. As an aside, there were no Demon winners during those glory demon days. AA and Coaches Awards weren't invented then. Would have won a few. Forgiven for leaving because he came back and to his last days was red and blue through and through. Can't split Flower and Gawn for a close 2nd spot. Both special, different talents. Both not recognised enough in the wider AFL community. Both brought joy in some not so successful years.