AFL great Lance Franklin has voiced his astonishment regarding Melbourne’s decision to grant Kysaiah Pickett a contract worth $1.4 million per season, which will keep him with the club until 2034. While commending Pickett for securing the lucrative deal, Franklin expressed that such significant contracts should ideally be reserved for key position players, like Western Bulldogs’ Sam Darcy, who he describes as a “generational” talent.
Franklin elaborated that a contract for Darcy could range from $2 million to $2.5 million, a figure he believes is justified due to the impact such players can have on a game. In contrast, he questioned the appropriateness of a large salary for a small forward/midfielder like Pickett. “For me, I probably wouldn’t be doing that if I was a list manager,” he stated, emphasising that key position players are typically more deserving of high-value contracts.
Darcy recently made a successful return from injury, demonstrating his capability by taking several marks and kicking three goals, strengthening Franklin’s argument. Franklin also expressed concern that Melbourne’s roster may become overly reliant on high salaries, with several players—namely Pickett, Christian Petracca, and Clayton Oliver—now commanding significant contracts.
He acknowledged Pickett’s achievements but referred to the contract as “pretty crazy,” highlighting the financial implications for the team’s salary cap. Franklin’s sentiments reflect a broader conversation in the sport about the allocation of funds and the potential consequences of top-heavy contracts on a club’s long-term strategy.