Melbourne pair Max Gawn and Angus Brayshaw have slammed the recent ‘AFL Rich List’ released by News Corp, ranking the top 100 highest paid players in the AFL.
The released list has Brayshaw as the 86th highest paid player in the league earning between $600,000 and $650,000 pre-COVID-cuts.
Gawn meanwhile comes in 10th reportedly earning $900,000 to $950,000 and “could earn closer to seven figures if he capitalises on some performance incentives”, according to the piece.
Speaking on the club’s Captain’s Run Podcast, the Melbourne skipper believes the reported number was substantially off the mark.
“I’m not in Melbourne obviously so I’m not reading the Herald Sun, but my lovely wife sent me a photo of what was supposedly my wage and said ‘you didn’t tell me you were on this much’,” he said.
“And I said ‘I didn’t tell you that because they have got my wage wrong by upwards of $250,000. Which seems like very lazy reporting to (me).
“I was in the top 10 highest paid players and I signed my contract when my hamstring was off my bone in 2017, I mean it’s a ballsy call from Melbourne.
“Maybe they’ve just taken a wild guess.”
Brayshaw was frustrated by his inclusion in the top 100, also feeling they got his salary completely wrong: “I just can’t believe this either, like how far off …”
“To think you’re in the top 100 paid players,” Gawn interrupted.
“I know, I couldn’t believe it,” Brayshaw responded. “You told me that five minutes ago and I can’t believe it, my hands are shaking. I wish.
“In my dreams (am I earning $650,000). I dream about $600,000.”
$950k per year for @gawndog37... well, according to @heraldsunsport. 💰
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) July 30, 2020
Our skipper responds. 😂
Watch the Captain's Run 👉 https://t.co/O5BRZTrQHe pic.twitter.com/A4LiJhQrGh