The lucrative contract extension for St Kilda's injury-plagued key forward Max King has come under intense scrutiny following the AFL's release of player wage data. The figures reveal that King was likely paid between $1.4 million and $1.6 million last season, despite not playing a single game due to persistent knee issues.
AFL Salary Data Exposes High-Earning Absentees
The AFL's annual player remuneration report, released yesterday, showed that 58 players earned more than $1 million during the 2024 season. Two players exceeded $1.6 million, while four fell into the $1.4-1.6 million bracket. Significantly, only three of those four players actually took the field last year, with King appearing to be the exception who missed the entire campaign.
While the league does not publicly link names to specific salaries, the circumstantial evidence strongly points to King being the high-earning absentee. The revelation comes as the Saints forward faces yet another setback, this time with a calf muscle problem described by the club as "low-grade" but nonetheless concerning.
Injury History Raises Contract Questions
King's latest injury adds to an already troubling pattern. The talented forward has managed just 23 games across the 2023-24 seasons, with his last appearance coming in Round 17 of 2024. Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, St Kilda opted to extend his deal further last year, a decision that now faces mounting criticism.
AFL expert and Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes has been particularly vocal about the contract extension, questioning the club's judgment as details of King's substantial salary and new injury emerge.
"Still has nine months left on his original deal before that extension," Cornes remarked on social media. "He was paid $1.6m last year without playing a game (yes some was front loaded). We all wish him well, but how do clubs keep avoiding scrutiny for the dumbest decisions?"
Cornes speculated about what King might command on the open market, suggesting "Two years at 7-800 with incentives?" would be more appropriate given his recent history.
Twins on Diverging Career Paths
The situation highlights a stark contrast between Max King and his twin brother Ben, who was drafted just two picks later in 2018. While Max continues to battle injuries and contract scrutiny, Ben has developed into one of the competition's most sought-after forwards at Gold Coast.
Ben King is approaching free agency after a standout 71-goal season that established him as the Suns' five-time leading goalkicker. Victorian clubs are monitoring his situation closely as he seeks a long-term deal, but the key forward has expressed strong loyalty to Gold Coast.
"I love the club and I love the group and I feel really, really good about where we're going as a football club," Ben told reporters. "It's sort of become your second family in a way, so, yeah, I feel really lucky to be a part of this group."
Gold Coast's Rising Appeal
The Suns' improved fortunes have made them an increasingly attractive destination for elite talent. After making their maiden finals appearance last season and winning their first final against Fremantle, the club has retained young stars like Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Mac Andrew while attracting established names.
Ben King noted the changing perception of the club, saying "Guys like Christian [Petracca], who's been a star of the competition and won flags, now want to come to us (which) is not something that I saw coming."
The Suns are reportedly preparing a long-term offer worth around $1.5 million annually to retain their star forward, who must decide between staying with the emerging Gold Coast side or returning to a Victorian rival.
As Max King faces continued questions about his fitness and contract value, his brother's career trajectory serves as a poignant comparison in the high-stakes world of AFL player contracts and club list management.
