Players cashing in

JUST nine of the AFL’s 850 players earned more than $1 million last season.

Two, believed to be Richmond superstar Dustin Martin and dual Fremantle Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, took home more than $1.2 million.

The AFL says the other six “in or near” the $1 million price tag include Jeremy McGovern, Jeremy Cameron, Lance Franklin, Josh Kelly, Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli, Eagle Andrew Gaff, and Carlton’s Patrick Cripps.

In its official total player payment summary, the AFL also said two players earned more than $1.2 million, with three in the band of $1.1 million-1.2 million and four others paid $1 million-1.1 million. It says seven players earned more than $900,000. One of the nine did not play in 2019, which is believed to be Hawthorn Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell.

AFL clubs spent a total of $242.3 million in player payments. The average player wage in 2019 was $363,430.

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has fired up at suggestions Richmond will throw a juicy contract offer at Magpie Darcy Moore.

After Alex Rance’s shock retirement, the Tigers could use a replacement down back for the five-time All-Australian. Channel 7 has reported Moore is Richmond’s main target to fill that void and will make the 24-year-old a giant deal for what would be a controversial switch.

McGuire said he was unaware of the link, but responded with reminders of the trade war between the fierce rivals during the 1980s. Richmond was so incensed by Collingwood luring stars Geoff Raines and David Cloke following the 1982 season they started recruiting other Magpies players as revenge. The tug-of-war almost bankrupted both clubs

“The last time they started poaching from Collingwood, we put them in the bin for 30 years,” McGuire said. “Wait if it ever comes true. The blood will be flowing down Punt Road and Hoddle St again.”