Listing the AFL's longest current contracts

Richmonds Noah Balta recently joined the illustrious group.

WRITER | October 14, 2024 - 8:35am

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Richmond utility Noah Balta's new seven-year extension has placed him among a unique group that holds the longest contracts in the AFL.

Balta joined the likes of Sam Taylor, Connor Rozee, Aaron Naughton and Max King, who are locked away until the end of 2032, with the latter recently committing to St Kilda.

The long-term contracts are a test of loyalty, which has come into question in recent times as players have fallen out of love with the club or not lived up to their end of the bargain.

And sometimes, clubs' hands are forced into letting them go. Think Brodie Grundy and Collingwood. Or Adam Treloar and Collingwood.

The pair of Pies didn't want to leave but were rushed out of the door to alleviate salary cap pressure. It also meant the club assisted both Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs in paying what was rightfully owed.

And now, Demons midfield duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are bound by their contracts to remain at the club despite their desires to play elsewhere.

So naturally, questions have arisen over Richmond's decision to extend Balta for so long.

The same goes for St Kilda with King, given that he has been injury-prone over the last two seasons.

One can only say that it's a commitment to the vision, and there are plenty of those throughout the competition.

We have compiled a list of every player signed with another five years (2029 onwards) left on their contract...

2032

(5 players)

Sam Taylor - GWS
Connor Rozee - Port Adelaide
Noah Balta - Richmond
Max King - St Kilda
Aaron Naughton - Western Bulldogs

2031

(4 players)

Hugh McCluggage - Brisbane
Jacob Weitering - Carlton
Brent Daniels - GWS
Nick Blakey - Sydney

2030

(12 players)

Isaac Cumming - Adelaide
Harry McKay - Carlton
Harry Perryman - Collingwood
Josh Daicos - Collingwood
Andrew McGrath - Essendon
Brennan Cox - Fremantle
Josh Treacy - Fremantle
Sean Darcy - Fremantle
Mac Andrew* - Gold Coast (has a trigger for another four years, ending in 2034)
Josh Battle - Hawthorn
Clayton Oliver - Melbourne
Harry Sheezel - North Melbourne