Footy media’s biggest money men revealed

The big bucks are made in the commentary box, not on the footy field. Here are the top former footy stars and big name earners in the media.

Everyone wants to know who the AFL’s million dollar men are — and they’re not just players on the field.

Media figure and former Richmond star Nathan Brown delved into rare territory when he put forward a list of former footy stars — in commentary, radio, digital, newspapers and podcasts — and their estimated salaries.

Nathan Brown wants to uncover footy’s money men. Picture: Jason Edwards

He uncovered five million dollar men. In comparison there were just two million dollar players in the AFL in 2020 (pay cuts due to Covid), down from nine in 2019.

“It’s the people who do the double whammy — TV, radio or newspapers as well,’’ said Brown, who started the debate on Triple M’s Friday Huddle.

“I was worried I was inflating the wages but people said I was going too low.

“I rang about five different people, and some very prominent names, and I’ve had a little bit of feedback.

“Fev thought I had him too low. Luke Darcy has been fielding some calls to see if he’s OK as he’s dropped from number three to 13 after no longer doing breakfast radio. He is hosting the Olympics though, Channel 7 is giving him another go after the Weapon (Dean Robinson) interview.

“I think Duck (Wayne Carey) was offended he wasn’t higher.

“Chief (Dunstall) thought I was too generous.

“A lot of it is tongue in cheek and fun, it’s an interesting discussion point.”

FOOTY’S TOP MONEY MEN

Equal 10: Wayne Carey, $500,000

Triple M, Channel 7 and The Age

An astute special comments man and one of the greatest to ever play the game, Carey offers up solid insights on Channel 7 every Friday night.

Equal 10: Jason Dunstall, $500,000

Fox Footy and Triple M

Affectionately referred to as Chief, the Hawks legend is becoming a fan favourite showing his wit and softer side across Bounce, radio and Instagram.

Wayne Carey. Picture: Getty

Fox Footy commentator Jason Dunstall. Picture: AAP

9: Nick Riewoldt, $550,000

Fox Footy and other media

Saints champion has made a seamless transition to the commentary chair and is also cooking up a bigger profile via an upcoming stint on Celebrity MasterChef.

Nick Riewoldt (left) interviewing Dustin Martin. Picture: Supplied

8: Matthew Lloyd, $600,000

Channel 9, 3AW and AFL website

A multi-talented performer across various platforms, the Bombers great isn’t afraid to go hard and call it as he sees it.

Matthew Lloyd. Picture: Channel 9

7: Brian Taylor, $650,000

Channel 7 and Triple M

Now considered Channel 7’s chief commentator without Bruce McAvaney beside him, BT continues to hit the mark for many viewers.

Brian Taylor in action with Channel 7. Picture: Getty

6: Tim Watson, $675,000

SEN and Channel 7

The Essendon legend joins Garry Lyon each morning for their SEN breakfast show and is also a staple Seven News fixture.

Garry Lyon and Tim Watson are both among footy’s top media earners.

5: James Brayshaw, $1 million

Channel 7 and Triple M

One of the most colourful callers on television, Brayshaw can do it all across cricket and footy, TV and radio.

James Brayshaw with his radio co-host Billy Brownless. Picture: Matt Nikolic

4: Mark Howard, $1.05 million

Fox Sports (footy and cricket), Triple M and Howie Games podcast

A versatile cricket and footy commentator who has also made a big impression in the podcast world with his top-rating interview series, Howie Games.

Mark Howard has a top-rating podcast.

3: Garry Lyon, $1.15 million

SEN and Fox Footy

One of the most polished performers, Lyon was always destined to work in media across television and radio.

Brendan Fevola earns a mint with Fox FM.

2: Brendan Fevola, $1.2 million

Fox FM

A much-loved character on the field, Fev clearly has a big fan base in retirement with this top-rating radio gig over the past six years.

Jonathan Brown is raking in the big bucks with Fox Footy and Nova. Picture: Mark Stewart

1: Jonathan Brown, $1.5 million

Nova and Fox Footy

Regarded as one of the great blokes in the industry, it’s no surprise the Lions legend is getting bang for his buck.