Ben McKay’s Front-Loaded Contract Gives Essendon Long-Term Financial Flexibility
$1.4M in a Year: Inside the Controversial Deal That Faced Criticism and Why Essendon Will Benefit in the Long Run
The financial breakdown of Ben McKay‘s substantial contract has been unveiled, providing positive news for Essendon supporters for the future.
Initially, McKay’s six-year deal, averaging around $800,000 per season, faced scrutiny. However, the strategic structuring of the defender’s contract has been clarified, benefiting Essendon in the coming years.
Journalist Jay Clark from the Herald Sun elaborated on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, explaining how the Bombers benefit from McKay’s long-term deal.
“Six or eight months ago, when Ben McKay joined Essendon, there was criticism about his nearly $800,000 a season salary. We can now reveal the details,” Clark began.
“In his first year, McKay earns $1.4 million, $1.1 million in the second year, and $1 million in the third. The contract is heavily front-loaded, reducing to almost a base wage for the last three years.”
Clark detailed that McKay will earn around $400,000 per season from 2027-2029.
“Essendon has applied this strategy with several key players, front-loading contracts to create salary cap space as the list matures,” Clark said. “McKay, along with Jordan Ridley and Kyle Langford, have similar long-term, front-loaded deals.”
McKay’s contract ends in 2029, while Ridley is signed until 2028, and Langford through 2027.
“Essendon will be in a strong position in the coming years because of this front-loading strategy,” Clark noted. “McKay has significantly improved their defense, offering the strong-bodied defender they’ve needed.”
Clark also speculated on potential targets for Essendon with their future salary cap space.
“What do they need from an Essendon fan’s perspective? Possibly a key forward to work with young Harry Jones and Nate Caddy, or a powerhouse midfielder with pace,” he suggested.
Fellow Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph encouraged Essendon to aim high in their recruiting.
“Essendon should avoid B-graders,” Ralph advised on Fox Footy. “They’ve built depth well, with players like Jade Gresham stepping up. But now they should focus on A-graders, such as Luke Davies-Uniacke or Tyson Stengle.”
Davies-Uniacke will be a restricted free agent at the end of 2025, while Stengle is a sought-after unrestricted free agent this year.
