Top 15 Highest Paid AFL Players 2026

Ever caught yourself wondering just how much the highest paid AFL players make a year? 

The 2026 season has more million-dollar men than ever before, with cashed-up clubs splashing serious coin to lock down their superstars. So, if you’ve been asking who tops the rich list, you’re in the right place.

AFL Highest Paid Player 2026 - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera - $2.0 Million

Team: St Kilda Saints

St Kilda didn’t just lock in a star - they locked in a statement. Wanganeen-Milera became the AFL’s first $2 million man after a rapid rise that’s turned potential into polish.

Silky by foot and unflappable under pressure, the Saints paid for a generational talent entering his prime. With rival clubs circling and the salary cap rising, this was a future-proof investment - and one that now carries serious expectation.

We’ve seen plenty of cash waved around over the past 12 months, so there’s a few new faces on the AFL’s rich list. Today we are counting down the top 15 highest paid AFL players leading into the 2026 season. 

2. Tom De Koning - $1.7M (2026)

St Kilda Saints

Big men who can genuinely impact both in the ruck and forward of centre are rare. De Koning’s athleticism and aerial presence made him one of the most sought-after signatures in the league.

St Kilda opened the chequebook to secure his prime years, betting that his influence around stoppage and scoreboard impact will justify the price tag. At that number, “solid” won’t cut it - dominance is the benchmark.

3. Marcus Bontempelli - $1.4M (2026)

Western Bulldogs

“The Bont” has been worth his weight in gold for years. Captain, match-winner and Brownlow contender, he remains the Bulldogs’ heartbeat.

The contract reflects sustained excellence, not potential. In big games, Bontempelli stands up - and clubs pay a premium for players who consistently deliver when it matters most.

4. Christian Petracca - $1.4M (2026)

Melbourne Demons

Explosive out of stoppage and built for finals footy, Petracca remains one of the most physically imposing midfielders in the game.

Melbourne’s investment secures a proven September performer who can turn momentum in minutes. When you’ve got a premiership pedigree and a highlight reel to match, seven figures come standard.

5. Patrick Cripps - $1.3M (2026)

Carlton Blues

Carlton’s captain is paid like one. Cripps’ contested dominance and leadership were central to the Blues’ resurgence.

He’s the kind of inside bull who drags teammates into the fight, and that intangible value often inflates the bottom line. For Carlton, locking him in long-term was non-negotiable.

6. Chad Warner - $1.3M (2026)

Sydney Swans

Warner’s burst speed and ability to break lines make him one of the most exciting midfielders in the competition. When he gets space, damage follows.

Sydney paid to secure his prime years, knowing his upside is still climbing. The Swans don’t often miss with big contracts - and they’re betting this one ages well.

7. Errol Gulden - $1.25M (2026)

Sydney Swans

Elite endurance, pinpoint foot skills and a motor that doesn’t stop - Gulden embodies the modern wingman.

His consistency week to week justified Sydney rewarding him early. In an era where two-way running is king, Gulden’s value only continues to rise.

8. Connor Rozee - $1.2M (2026)

Port Adelaide Power

Port’s skipper blends class with composure. Rozee can win a game in a quarter, whether pushing forward or driving through the midfield.

The Power invested in leadership and flair rolled into one. At this price, he’s expected to keep Port in the premiership conversation.

9. Zak Butters - $1.2M (2026)

Port Adelaide Power

Fearless at the contest and relentless around stoppage, Butters plays with edge. He’s built a reputation as one of the competition’s hardest-working mids.

Port paid to keep that intensity in-house long term. When effort and output align, contracts follow.

10. Nick Daicos - $1.2M (2026)

Collingwood Magpies

Still early in his career and already commanding superstar money. Daicos’ footy IQ and ball use separate him from most of his peers.

Collingwood knew rival offers would be enormous, so they moved early. The deal reflects both present production and a ceiling that hasn’t been reached yet.

11. Sam Walsh - $1.2M (2026)

Carlton Blues

An endurance machine who racks up possessions like clockwork, Walsh remains one of the competition’s most reliable midfield accumulators.

Carlton rewarded consistency and professionalism, trusting his elite running power will continue driving their midfield for years to come.

12. Finn Callaghan - $1.15M (2026)

GWS Giants

Tall, smooth-moving and still scratching the surface, Callaghan represents upside in its purest form.

The Giants paid to secure his development years, confident he’ll grow into one of the competition’s premier inside-outside mids. Potential like that doesn’t come cheap.

13. Kysaiah Pickett - $1.15M (2026)

Melbourne Demons

“Kozzy” brings chaos - the good kind. Speed, pressure and scoreboard impact make him a genuine match-turner.

Melbourne locked him in knowing small forwards with that level of game-breaking ability are rare. When he’s hot, games flip quickly.

14. Josh Kelly - $1.1M (2026)

GWS Giants

Silky ball use and composure have long defined Kelly’s game. Even with the next generation rising, he remains a premium performer.

The Giants continue to bank on his class and consistency anchoring their midfield mix.

15. Lachie Neale - $1.1M (2026)

Brisbane Lions

Brownlow medallist. Clearance king. Still finding the footy as if it’s magnetised.

Brisbane’s investment reflects proven production over a long period. Even as younger stars emerge, Neale’s output keeps him firmly in the seven-figure bracket.

Top 15 Highest Paid AFL Players List

1. Nasian Wanganeen-Milera - $2.0M (2026)

2. Tom De Koning - $1.7M (2026)

3. Marcus Bontempelli - $1.4M (2026)

4. Christian Petracca - $1.4M (2026)

5. Patrick Cripps - $1.3M (2026)

6. Chad Warner - $1.3M (2026)

7. Errol Gulden - $1.25M (2026)

8. Connor Rozee - $1.2M (2026)

9. Zak Butters - $1.2M (2026)

10. Nick Daicos - $1.2M (2026)

11. Sam Walsh - $1.2M (2026)

12. Finn Callaghan - $1.15M (2026)

13. Kysaiah Pickett - $1.15M (2026)

14. Josh Kelly - $1.1M (2026)

15. Lachie Neale - $1.1M (2026)

Please note that all player salaries are in AUD and are approximate figures. These are the current reported annual salaries as of 2025 and do not encapsulate the total duration or value of their current contracts or include off-field revenue.