For better or for worse, AFL list management has shifted towards bigger and longer deals for the league's biggest stars.
Once unheard of, clubs are now prepared to offer players multi-year contracts worth millions of dollars. But it's not without risk.
These huge deals can hold a salary cap ransom for years, and can restrict list management at critical periods for a club's growth.
During last year's trade period, Collingwood were forced into a massive fire-sale of high-end talent after facing such a crisis. The implications of this forced exodus could haunt the Pies for years.
This year, Sydney are facing similar problems after big-money deals have stretched the club's budget thin.
When successful, these massive contracts can attract and retain the best talent in the league.
But when they fail, they can set a club back for years.
As we are now seeing in the AFL, these large contracts can bear a heavy burden for players. When a team is under-performing, the players on the biggest money are the first in the firing line.
The COVID-era has brought forced cuts into the salary-cap and further emphasised the perils of these monster deals.
We take a look at some of the contracts under the most pressure in the league. 👇
4. DYLAN SHIEL
The Bombers are now faced with a big dilemma.
Essendon won a competitive race to recruit the former Giant, offering a six-year deal reportedly worth around $850,000-900,000 per year.
Three years into this deal and Shiel risks losing a spot in the midfield. Emerging stars like Darcy Parish have overtaken the 28-year-old, with pundits now questioning where Shiel fits into the lineup.
Shiel managed just eight games in 2021, averaging 19.4 disposals - the lowest since his debut season.
As one of the highest-paid Bombers until 2024, Shiel's contract is starting to cause some serious concerns.
