The Australian Football League (AFL) is similar facing increasing fears over the guaranteed length of player contracts. Industry reports have indicated that upcoming West Coast golden child Harley Reid is being pitched contract offers exceeding ten years long. The league is ready and willing to address this issue. They’re looking to get a lot of progress done before the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) goes into effect in 2028.
We’ve seen Harley Reid shoot to fame in the past year for his incredible skill. Now, though, he’s in the middle of conversations surrounding contract extensions that would be longer than any other top players. Pickett now has the longest contract in the AFL—thanks to his nine-year extension through 2034. On the other hand, Hayden Young is locked up through 2033. If Reid goes ahead and finalizes his likely offers, they could eclipse these contracts combined. If approved, this change would open up an entirely new class of player contracts within the league.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has indicated that the league may consider adopting a model similar to the NBA’s max contract lengths. Additionally, this action would reduce the length of player contracts. The AFL hopes this will shield clubs from needing to provide long deals that extend past a player’s tenure with the club.
Dillon confirmed the league’s intention to put long-term contract discussions on the agenda, stating, “The AFL are very worried about this. They tried to put this into the last CBA,” as reported by journalist Caroline Wilson. Wilson emphasizes that the AFL’s concerns stem from the growing number of players being offered significant, lengthy contracts that could pose risks for clubs.
Former player and current commentator Luke Hodge reiterated these calls. He recommended that using maximum length of contracts would be a wise approach to take. He stated, “I think to protect the club themselves, because people are giving big contracts that will finish when they’ve left the club.” Hodge’s perspective is indicative of a swelling fear around the league of long-term commitments.
Dillon is not too concerned about the contracts being put on the table today. He is, perhaps surprisingly, aware that the game is changing and must be closely watched. The AFL has already set up “guard rails” to make sure the right processes are observed when clubs enter into long-term agreements. As Reid’s case continues to show, it might not be enough, and more regulation could be needed.
