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. 👇
6. JOSH KELLY
It might be harsh to judge this contract before it has begun but there are already warning signs for the Giants.
In 2019, GWS faced losing Josh Kelly to a number of suitors offering big money. They were able to re-sign Kelly for another two years, but with an option to trigger a clause that would see one of the biggest contracts in AFL history in the star midfielder's favour.
This year, the 26-year-old rejected interest from North Melbourne and signed the eight-year deal that is reportedly worth nearly $8 million. This will mean that Kelly will be one of the league's highest paid players until after he turns 34.
No doubt Kelly has plenty of good footy ahead of him, but a deal this big puts the Giants in a precarious position. With Coniglio on a similar long-term deal, GWS simply can't afford injuries or bad form from Kelly for the rest of his career.
