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. 👇
7. ZAC WILLIAMS
The Blues took a punt by recruiting a running half-back to be a star midfielder last year, and so far the plan hasn't worked.
Williams signed a six-year deal reported to be worth around $800,000-per-year (for reference, Sam Walsh is believed to make roughly $500,000-600,000 in 2022.)
The 26-year-old was labelled as 'lazy' and 'unfit' during the season, failing to live up to Carlton's high expectations.
The former Giant struggled in the middle, eventually returning to the backline where he has spent most of his career.
Contracted until 2026, the Blues desperately need the Williams to fill the midfield hole he was recruited for.
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