In a striking commentary on the AFL landscape, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has taken a firm stance against the exorbitant salaries being paid to two players from St Kilda. He argues that such financial decisions could pose a significant risk to the integrity of the game, especially as the reigning champions work diligently to keep one of their star players.
During the off-season, St Kilda made headlines by securing the services of De Koning from Carlton with an astonishing eight-year contract worth $1.7 million annually. Additionally, they rewarded Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera with a lucrative two-year deal valued at $2 million per season after his impressive breakout performance. These high-profile signings are part of a broader recruitment strategy that also saw the Saints bringing in Sam Flanders from Gold Coast, Jack Silvagni from Carlton, and Liam Ryan from West Coast, all under multi-year contracts.
These bold moves have significantly heightened expectations for St Kilda, who are eager to reach the finals and inch closer to ending their lengthy premiership drought, which has lingered since 1966. However, Fagan is concerned that the financial packages awarded to both De Koning and Wanganeen-Milera, which now place them among the highest earners in the AFL, may set a troubling standard for the league.
"I truly hope that the figures we observed last year, particularly from St Kilda, do not become the norm. I perceive this as a potential danger for the sport," Fagan expressed in an interview with AFL.com.au. "The top players within the league certainly deserve to command the highest salaries, but that isn’t the case right now.
This isn't intended as a slight against Nasiah; I genuinely believe he has the potential to be an exceptional player, though it remains uncertain how far he will progress. As for 'TDK,' he has shown considerable promise for a while now, yet he hasn't fully met expectations, and still, he's being compensated handsomely. I would prefer to see the most accomplished players receiving the bulk of the financial rewards."
Brisbane recently faced a setback when they lost their key defender Brandon Starcevich to West Coast via free agency during the off-season, and they’re now in a battle to retain their young standout, mid-forward Zac Bailey. At just 26 years old, Bailey had a stellar year in 2025, scoring 42 goals and earning his first All-Australian selection. As he approaches free agency at the end of this upcoming season, he is likely to attract substantial offers from competing clubs.
"I think he’s likely to stay with us. But then again, everyone has their price, right?" Fagan remarked to AFL.com.au.
The Lions, who have celebrated back-to-back premiership victories, possess one of the more strategically balanced rosters concerning salary cap management, as highlighted in Code Sports’ 2025 AFL Rich List. Interestingly, Brisbane's highest-paid player in 2025 was midfielder Hugh McCluggage, ranking 20th overall with a salary between $950,000 and $1,050,000. Other notable salaries on the roster included Lachie Neale at 40th, Harris Andrews at 66th, Cam Rayner at 71st, and versatile midfielder Josh Dunkley at 91st.
Following his remarkable performances, including winning two consecutive Norm Smith Medals during Brisbane’s championship runs, rising star Will Ashcroft has committed to the Lions until the conclusion of the 2030 season, a contract that will take him through free agency. Looking ahead, both Bailey and Port Adelaide standout Zak Butters are expected to be highly sought after when they enter free agency at the close of the 2026 season.
Boasting one of the most talented lineups in the AFL, the Lions will further enhance their squad in 2026 with the senior debut of top academy prospect Daniel Annable.
Meanwhile, Charlie Cameron has voiced his confidence in Andrews stepping up to fill the leadership void left by departing co-captain Neale, who resigned amid a sensational marital fallout. The Lions have yet to announce their leadership group for 2026, but Andrews is favored to assume the captaincy, potentially alongside Dunkley and McCluggage. Cameron believes that Andrews embodies the Lions’ identity.
"With Lachie stepping down, there’s a significant role to fill in the captaincy," he commented.
The Lions will kick off their 2026 campaign with the opening round match against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, March 7, at the Gabba.
