Melbourne Demons Contracts & Salary Cap: Max Gawn, Christian Petracca & Post-Premiership Spending

One premiership in 57 years. You’d think Melbourne would cherish it forever. Instead, they’re tearing themselves apart just three years later.

Christian Petracca publicly demanded a trade after Round 14, 2024. Clayton Oliver wanted out too before backing down. Max Gawn turns 33 earning nearly $1 million annually. The Demons finished 5th then lost their Elimination Final to Hawthorn. Since winning the 2021 flag, they’ve won exactly zero finals.

Melbourne invested heavily keeping their premiership core together. Petracca earns over $1 million through 2029. Oliver locked in seven years at $950,000 annually. Gawn extended at premium rates into his mid-30s. The plan was sustained success. 

The reality is locker room dysfunction, aging stars on unmovable contracts, and consecutive finals exits while watching 2021 Grand Final losers Western Bulldogs struggle even harder.

Discover the Melbourne Demons players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.

Melbourne Demons’ Biggest Contracts

1. Christian Petracca – Midfielder/Forward: Christian Petracca signed a seven-year extension through 2029 worth approximately $6-6.5 million total. He reportedly earns $950,000-1.05 million annually as the 2021 Norm Smith medallist and four-time All-Australian. The 29-year-old suffered season-ending injuries in Round 14 playing just 12 games before requesting a trade that ultimately fell through.
2. Max Gawn – Captain/Ruckman: Max Gawn extended through 2027 on a deal worth approximately $5.5 million total. He earns an estimated $900,000-950,000 annually as the five-time All-Australian captain. The 33-year-old averaged 19.8 disposals and 28.7 hit-outs in 2024, maintaining elite output despite age concerns.
3. Clayton Oliver – Midfielder: Clayton Oliver signed a seven-year extension through 2030 worth approximately $6 million total. He earns an estimated $850,000-950,000 annually after winning the 2021 Brownlow Medal. The 27-year-old played 17 games in 2024, struggling with form and off-field issues creating trade speculation.
4. Steven May – Key Defender: Steven May extended through 2026 on a deal worth approximately $4 million total. He earns an estimated $800,000-900,000 annually as the 2021 All-Australian defender. The 32-year-old played 22 games in 2024, anchoring Melbourne’s defense that conceded 84.3 points per game.
5. Jake Lever – Key Defender: Jake Lever signed a six-year extension through 2028 worth approximately $4.5 million total. He earns an estimated $700,000-800,000 annually as the 2021 All-Australian. The 28-year-old averaged 20.1 disposals forming elite defensive partnership with Steven May.

Melbourne’s top-five contracts total approximately $26-28 million across multiple years. The Demons consume roughly 40-45% of salary cap space on these five players.

This creates significant pressure with Petracca and Oliver both requesting trades in 2024 before ultimately staying.

How Melbourne Manages the $16.49M Salary Cap

Melbourne operates at maximum capacity near $16.49 million with minimal remaining space. The Demons allocate 40-45% of salary cap to their top five highest-paid players, creating top-heavy structure.

The club cleared salary space trading Luke Jackson ($800K) to Fremantle in 2022 for picks 13 and future first-rounder. This created immediate cap relief allowing extensions for Petracca and Oliver on mega-deals.

Melbourne benefits from no recent father-son or academy picks providing salary discounts. This forces expensive free agency recruitment like trading for Brodie Grundy ($1M annually) in 2023 from Collingwood.

The Demons face severe pressure in 2025-2026 with aging stars earning premium money. Max Gawn (33) earns $950K and Steven May (32) earns $850K, both approaching career twilight. The club must decide whether extending them at high salaries risks future flexibility.

Angus Brayshaw’s medical retirement ($650K) in 2024 created cap relief but lost a valuable midfielder. This forced list reshuffling while clearing approximately $650K annual space.

Melbourne’s Biggest Salary Cap Decision: The Christian Petracca Extension

Melbourne’s most significant decision came extending Christian Petracca through 2029 on a seven-year deal worth $6-6.5 million. The club committed approximately $950,000-1.05 million annually to a midfielder entering his late 20s.

Petracca’s extension came after winning 2021 Norm Smith Medal and earning four consecutive All-Australian selections. The club bet his elite output would sustain through age 34.

The gamble backfired when Petracca publicly requested trades after Round 14 injuries. His relationship with Melbourne deteriorated over perceived medical mismanagement. Though ultimately staying, the contract represents $5 million remaining commitment to a potentially disgruntled star.

Petracca’s $1 million salary limits Melbourne’s flexibility extending younger stars like Trent Rivers ($400K). The club chose star power over depth, mirroring Carlton’s approach. Both teams struggle with finals success despite elite individual talent.

Salary Cap Strategy: Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs

Melbourne employs star concentration allocating 40-45% of cap to five elite players earning $700,000-1.05 million. Western Bulldogs pursue balanced distribution spreading 35-38% across six players earning $600,000-1 million.

The Demons maintain expensive veterans like Max Gawn ($950K) and Steven May ($850K) into their 30s. The Bulldogs transitioned from aging stars, extending Marcus Bontempelli ($1.2M) while developing younger midfielders like Ed Richards ($650K).

Melbourne’s philosophy targets immediate premiership success maximizing the Gawn-Petracca-Oliver era. The Bulldogs accept gradual evolution, reaching 2021 Grand Final as underdogs before rebuilding. Melbourne won that 2021 Grand Final 74-69 in a classic encounter.

The rivals showcase contrasting post-flag management. Melbourne doubled down on 2021 premiership stars with expensive extensions.

The Bulldogs moved on from Josh Dunkley ($750K) and refreshed their list. Results show Melbourne stagnated, Bulldogs remain competitive with sustainable spending.

FAQs

How much does Christian Petracca earn at Melbourne?

Christian Petracca earns an estimated $950,000-1.05 million annually on his seven-year extension through 2029 worth approximately $6-6.5 million total. The 29-year-old requested trade after Round 14 season-ending injuries before ultimately staying despite relationship tensions with the club.

What is Max Gawn’s contract worth?

Max Gawn signed an extension through 2027 worth approximately $5.5 million total, earning an estimated $900,000-950,000 annually. The 33-year-old five-time All-Australian captain averaged 19.8 disposals and 28.7 hit-outs in 2024 despite entering his career’s final years.

Why did Christian Petracca want to leave Melbourne?

Christian Petracca requested trade after Round 14 season-ending injuries, citing perceived medical mismanagement and relationship breakdown. His $1 million annual salary through 2029 made trades difficult as no rival could absorb his contract without salary dumps, forcing him to stay.

Does Melbourne have salary cap problems?

Melbourne operates at maximum $16.49 million cap with minimal flexibility after extending Christian Petracca ($1M), Clayton Oliver ($950K), and Max Gawn ($950K). The club faces pressure with three stars earning $2.9 million combined while aging veterans require contract decisions.