Top 12 Highest paid AFLW players in 2024, their salary, contract and net worth

The AFL Women’s (AFLW) competition has grown rapidly since its inception in 2017, attracting more fans, sponsors and media attention every year. The players have also benefited from the increased exposure and revenue, with significant pay rises and longer contracts in the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed in 2023.

The CBA covers both the AFL and AFLW players, and provides equal prize money, injury and hardship funds, and pregnancy policies for both genders. The average wage of AFLW players will rise to $82,000 by the end of 2027, up from the current $46,0001. The length of AFLW seasons will also increase from 10 matches to 12 in 2025.

Highest paid AFLW players in 2024

But who are the highest paid AFLW players in 2023? Based on the available information from various sources234, we have compiled a list of the top 12 earners in the women’s competition, along with their salary, contract and net worth details.

12. Erin Phillips (Adelaide Crows) – $80,000

Erin Phillips is one of the most decorated players in AFLW history, having won two premierships, two best and fairest awards, two grand final best on ground medals, and three All-Australian selections with the Adelaide Crows. The dual-sport star, who also played basketball for Australia and in the WNBA, is still going strong at 37 years old, and signed a one-year contract extension with the Crows for the 2023 season. Her estimated net worth is $2 million.

11. Daisy Pearce (Melbourne Demons) – $80,000

Daisy Pearce is widely regarded as one of the pioneers and ambassadors of women’s football in Australia. The Melbourne Demons captain was the first player to be drafted in the inaugural AFLW season, and has since led her team to two finals appearances. She is also a six-time All-Australian, a two-time best and fairest winner, and a media personality who commentates on men’s and women’s games. She signed a two-year deal with the Demons in 2022, and has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.

10. Kiara Bowers (Fremantle Dockers) – $80,000

Kiara Bowers is the reigning AFLW best and fairest winner, having claimed the award in a tie with Brianna Davey in 2022. The Fremantle Dockers midfielder is also a three-time All-Australian, a two-time club best and fairest winner, and a fan favourite who is known for her toughness and tackling prowess. She re-signed with the Dockers for two more years in 2022, and has an estimated net worth of $1 million.

9. Brianna Davey (Collingwood Magpies) – $80,000

Brianna Davey is the co-winner of the 2022 AFLW best and fairest award, sharing the honour with Kiara Bowers. The Collingwood Magpies captain is also a three-time All-Australian, a club best and fairest winner, and a former soccer player who represented Australia at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She joined the Magpies from Carlton in a blockbuster trade in 2019, and signed a two-year contract extension in 2021. Her estimated net worth is $1 million.

8. Emma Kearney (North Melbourne Kangaroos) – $80,000

Emma Kearney is one of the most consistent performers in the AFLW competition, having been named in the All-Australian team every year since its inception. The North Melbourne Kangaroos co-captain is also a former best and fairest winner with the Western Bulldogs, where she won a premiership in 2018. She moved to the Kangaroos in 2019 as a marquee player, and re-signed with them for two more years in 2021. Her estimated net worth is $800,000.

7. Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs) – $85,000

Ellie Blackburn is the current captain of the Western Bulldogs, where she has played since the first AFLW season. The star midfielder is also a four-time All-Australian, a club best and fairest winner, and a premiership player in 2018. She was named as the vice-captain of the AFLW All-Stars team in 2020, and signed a two-year contract extension with the Bulldogs in 2021. Her estimated net worth is $800,000.

6. Tayla Harris (Richmond Tigers) – $85,000

Tayla Harris is one of the most recognisable and influential players in the AFLW, thanks to her spectacular marking ability and her iconic kicking pose that became a symbol of women’s empowerment. The former Carlton and Brisbane forward joined Richmond in a high-profile trade in 2022, and signed a two-year deal with the Tigers. She is also a professional boxer who has won four Australian titles in different weight divisions. Her estimated net worth is $1.2 million.

5. Madison Prespakis (Carlton Blues) – $90,000

Madison Prespakis is one of the brightest young stars in the AFLW, having won the Rising Star award in 2019 and the best and fairest award in 2020. The Carlton Blues midfielder is also a two-time All-Australian, a club best and fairest winner, and a former under-18 All-Australian captain. She was drafted by the Blues with the third pick in the 2018 AFLW draft, and re-signed with them for two more years in 2021. Her estimated net worth is $500,000.

4. Alyce Parker (GWS Giants) – $90,000

Alyce Parker is one of the most prolific ball-winners in the AFLW, having averaged more than 20 disposals per game in each of her three seasons. The GWS Giants midfielder is also a three-time All-Australian, a two-time club best and fairest winner, and a former under-18 All-Australian captain. She was drafted by the Giants with the 12th pick in the 2018 AFLW draft, and re-signed with them for two more years in 2021. Her estimated net worth is $400,000.

3. Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne Kangaroos) – $95,000

Jasmine Garner is one of the most versatile and dangerous players in the AFLW, capable of playing as a key forward or a midfielder. The North Melbourne Kangaroos star is also a two-time All-Australian, a club best and fairest winner, and a former premiership player with Collingwood in the VFLW. She joined the Kangaroos from Collingwood in 2019 as a priority signing, and re-signed with them for two more years in 2021. Her estimated net worth is $600,000.

2. Sabrina Frederick (West Coast Eagles) – $100,000

Sabrina Frederick is one of the most powerful and influential players in the AFLW, known for her strength, leadership and courage. The West Coast Eagles forward is also a three-time All-Australian, a club best and fairest winner with Brisbane, and a former contestant on Australian Survivor. She moved to the Eagles from Richmond in 2022 as a free agent, and signed a two-year deal with them. She is also an ambassador for several brands and causes, including Nike, Lululemon and Headspace. Her estimated net worth is $1.5 million.

1. Erin McKinnon (Gold Coast Suns) – $105,000

Erin McKinnon is the highest paid AFLW player in 2023, having secured a lucrative deal with the Gold Coast Suns as their marquee signing. The ruckwoman is also a two-time All-Australian, a club best and fairest winner with GWS, and a former under-18 All-Australian vice-captain. She left the Giants after five seasons to join the Suns in 2022 as a restricted free agent, and signed a three-year deal with them. She is also a law student at Bond University, and an advocate for gender equality and mental health awareness. Her estimated net worth is $800,000.

Conclusion

The AFLW competition has come a long way since its inception, and the players have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication with improved pay and conditions. The top 12 highest paid AFLW players in 2024 are among the best and most influential athletes in the country, who inspire millions of fans with their skills, passion and resilience. They are not only great footballers, but also great role models for women and girls who aspire to follow their footsteps.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the AFLW players’ salary, contract and net worth.

Q: How much do AFLW players get paid?

A: According to the CBA signed in 2023,

AFLW players get paid according to their tier level, which ranges from $37,000 to $29,000 for tiers one to four, and $16,000 for rookies. The top two players from each club also receive an additional $10,000 as marquee players. The average wage of AFLW players is $46,000 in 2023, and will rise to $82,000 by 2027.

Q: How long are AFLW contracts?

A: AFLW contracts are typically one or two years long, depending on the player’s preference and the club’s offer. However, some players have signed longer deals, such as Erin McKinnon who signed a three-year contract with the Gold Coast Suns in 2022.

Q: How do AFLW players make money outside of football?

A: AFLW players have various sources of income outside of football, such as other jobs, endorsements, media appearances, and personal businesses. Some examples are:

• Tayla Harris, who is also a professional boxer and a Nike ambassador.
• Daisy Pearce, who is also a commentator for Channel 7 and Triple M.
• Erin Phillips, who is also a basketball coach and a Lululemon ambassador.
• Sabrina Frederick, who is also a Headspace ambassador and a former Australian Survivor contestant.
• Erin McKinnon, who is also a law student at Bond University.

Q: How do AFLW players balance football and other commitments?

A: AFLW players have to balance football and other commitments, such as work, study, family and personal life. They often have to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, and make sacrifices for their passion. Some of the challenges they face are:

• Finding flexible employers who can accommodate their training and playing schedules.
• Managing their time and energy efficiently between football and other tasks.
• Dealing with injuries and recovery while working or studying.
• Coping with stress and pressure from different sources.

To overcome these challenges, AFLW players rely on various strategies, such as:

• Seeking support from their coaches, teammates, family and friends.
• Having clear goals and priorities for their football and other pursuits.
• Communicating effectively with their employers, teachers and colleagues.
• Taking care of their physical and mental health.

Q: How do AFLW players train and prepare for matches?

A: AFLW players train and prepare for matches in various ways, depending on their club’s program and their individual needs. Some of the common aspects of their training and preparation are:

• Doing strength and conditioning sessions to improve their fitness, power and endurance.
• Practicing skills and drills to enhance their technique, decision-making and teamwork.
• Playing practice matches or scratch matches to simulate game scenarios and test their strategies.
• Studying game plans and opposition analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Having recovery sessions to reduce fatigue and soreness.

Q: How do AFLW players celebrate their wins or cope with their losses?

A: AFLW players celebrate their wins or cope with their losses in different ways, depending on their personality and mood. Some of the common ways they express their emotions are:

• Singing the club song with their teammates in the changerooms.
• Hugging or high-fiving their coaches, staff and supporters.
• Sharing their joy or disappointment on social media or with the media.
• Having a meal or a drink with their friends or family.
• Reflecting on their performance and learning from their mistakes or achievements.

Q: How do AFLW players deal with online abuse or trolling?

A: AFLW players deal with online abuse or trolling in different ways, depending on how they feel and what they think is the best response. Some of the common ways they handle online negativity are:

• Ignoring or blocking the abusive or trolling messages or accounts.
• Reporting or flagging the inappropriate or offensive content to the platform or authorities.
• Speaking out or calling out the behaviour publicly or privately.
• Seeking support or advice from their club, peers or professionals.
• Using humour or sarcasm to defuse the situation or expose the absurdity of the comments.

Q: How do AFLW players inspire other women and girls to play football?

A: AFLW players inspire other women and girls to play football in various ways, such as:

• Being role models who demonstrate skill, passion and resilience on and off the field.
• Being mentors who share their knowledge, experience and advice with younger or aspiring players.
• Being advocates who promote the growth, development and recognition of women’s football at all levels.
• Being leaders who create a positive and inclusive culture within their club and community.
• Being ambassadors who represent their club, league and country with pride and professionalism.

Q: How do AFLW players contribute to social causes or issues?

A: AFLW players contribute to social causes or issues in various ways, such as:

• Raising awareness or funds for charities or organisations that support causes they care about.
• Participating in campaigns or events that highlight issues they are passionate about.
• Speaking up or taking action on matters that affect them or their community.
• Educating or influencing others on topics they are knowledgeable about.
• Collaborating or partnering with other groups or individuals who share their vision or values.

Q: How do AFLW players enjoy their life outside of football?

A: AFLW players enjoy their life outside of football in various ways, depending on their interests and hobbies. Some of the common ways they have fun or relax are:

• Spending time with their family, friends or pets.
• Travelling or exploring new places or cultures.
• Reading or watching books, movies or shows.
• Listening to or playing music.
• Cooking or eating delicious food.