How Much Do Australian Football League Players Make?

The question of how much AFL players make can vary widely depending on their experience, performance, and the team they play for. In this article, we'll explore the salary ranges for AFL players from the entry level to the top earners.

Overview of AFL Player Salaries

As of 2022, the average player salary for the 18 clubs in the AFL senior men's competition was approximately AUD 375,000. This can vary significantly based on the player's performance and standing within the team. According to recent reports, top-ranked players can earn over AUD 1 million, while entry-level players may start with a base salary of AUD 105,000 plus match payments of AUD 5,000 per game.

Historical Context

It's interesting to note the dramatic change in player wages over the decades. Earlier in the 1980s, players in a supported club were paid significantly less. The story goes that footballers in this era were paid as little as ￡40 for a win or away draw in the first team and ￡11 for a loss or home draw. Reserves were paid ￡9 and ￡4 respectively. Despite the hard work, the Champions would have earned only about ￡900 per year from league games, which would be approximately 20 wins out of 30 games. Additional bonuses for cup games would have pushed the income to about ￡1,500 per year. This is in stark contrast to contemporary AFL players, who often earn much more.

Modern Professional Player Salaries

Modern professional AFL players, especially those in their prime, can earn up to ￡120,000 per year (AUD 206,000). A new player straight out of the national draft might earn a base of AUD 105,000 plus match payments of AUD 5,000 per game. By comparison, players in the Super League (which is part of the AFL) can earn up to ￡120,000, with top players commanding salaries over ￡1 million per year. These wages are comparable to those of professional Rugby League players in the NRL (National Rugby League).

Salaries by Tier

The earning potential varies significantly between different tiers of professional football, including Australian Football League (AFL), Rugby League (NRL), and soccer. For instance, a First Division, third-tier footballer might earn around ￡12,000 per week (AUD 228,800 annually), which is far higher than what AFL players typically earn. However, AFL players are still well below the earnings of top NFL players, who can earn millions of dollars, and well above the earnings of soccer players in the top leagues.

Conclusion

While AFL salaries may not reach the stratospheric heights of NFL or top-tier soccer players, they still provide a significant living wage for those who can rise to the top of the game. As the sport gains recognition and popularity, one can expect these figures to continue to evolve, providing opportunities for players to earn more.