Dustin Martin has cemented his place at the top of the AFL Rich 100 list for the second consecutive year, with a contract worth around $1.2m to $1.3m per season.
What happened?
The Richmond Tigers' star player has been ranked number one in the list, compiled by News Corp's rugby league and Australian rules reporters, aided by senior sources in the NRL and AFL.
The list reveals a record number of players on $1m or more, with 22 names claimed to be earning a seven-figure salary this season.
AFL players combine to earn more than their NRL compatriots with a total of $82m against $77m.
Why it matters for Dustin Martin
Martin, 31, is contracted to Richmond until the end of 2024 as part of a $9m deal, the biggest contract in Richmond history.
At No 2 is Nat Fyfe, followed by Jeremy McGovern, Tim Kelly, Marcus Bontempelli, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Lynch and Darcy Moore.
What comes next?
Two young guns in both codes were shock omissions, including Collingwood Magpies young gun Nick Daicos and Broncos and Maroons standout Reece Walsh.
But if the twinkle-toed fullback continues current State of Origin form, his value will rocket.
In the AFL, Carlton, Fremantle and Melbourne share top billing on the list with eight players in the 100.
Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin is among the big movers, dropping from fourth spot in 2022 to No 100, after coming to the end of his nine-year $10m contract with Sydney but opting for a one-year extension in 2023 on reduced terms.
Sydney Roosters has the highest representation on the NRL list with 10 players, further ammunition for its critics who joke that the Roosters don’t operate under a salary cap like other clubs but a “salary sombrero”.
One of those 10 is 19-year-old Joseph Suaalii who is at 60th spot but will earn significantly more than Martin and Ponga when he links with rugby union on a $1.6m-a-season deal in 2025.
The annual lists reveal the value of the nation’s best AFL and NRL sporting stars, based on playing contracts.
The Rich 100 list is a significant indicator of the financial landscape of Australian sports.
Dustin Martin's contract is a testament to his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
As the AFL season progresses, fans will be watching to see if Martin can continue to dominate the field and justify his top spot on the Rich 100 list.
With a total of $82m in earnings, AFL players are outpacing their NRL counterparts.
The list also highlights the growing trend of young players earning significant contracts, with over 25% of the highest earners aged 25 or under.