The North Melbourne Kangaroos operate under the AFL’s $16.49 million soft salary cap, featuring midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke on a six-year deal worth approximately $5 million through 2028.
North Melbourne finished 18th in 2024 with a 3-20 record, claiming the wooden spoon for second consecutive season. The club hasn’t won a final since 2016, suffering through the AFL’s longest active rebuild. Coach Alastair Clarkson enters his third season under pressure after just five wins across two seasons.
List manager Brady Rawlings manages strategic spending prioritizing youth over veterans. The Kangaroos accumulated picks 1, 2, 3, and 8 between 2021-2023 drafts, securing Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw, and Colby McKercher.
Click on any player’s name to view their complete biography and estimated net worth.
| Player Name | Position |
| Jackson Archer | Defender |
| Aidan Corr | Key Defender |
| Luke McDonald | Defender |
| Griffin Logue | Key Defender |
| Caleb Daniel | Defender |
| Bailey Scott | Defender |
| Finn O’Sullivan | Defender/Wing |
| Colby McKercher | Midfielder |
| Harry Sheezel | Midfielder/Utility |
| George Wardlaw | Midfielder |
| Luke Davies-Uniacke | Midfielder |
| Jy Simpkin | Midfielder |
| Tom Powell | Midfielder |
| Will Phillips | Midfielder |
| Dylan Stephens | Midfielder |
| Zac Fisher | Midfielder |
| Darcy Tucker | Midfielder |
| Miller Bergman | Midfielder |
| Paul Curtis | Forward |
| Nick Larkey | Key Forward |
| Jack Darling | Key Forward |
| Cam Zurhaar | Forward |
| Charlie Comben | Forward |
| Jacob Konstanty | Forward |
| Callum Coleman-Jones | Ruck/Forward |
| Brynn Teakle | Ruck/Forward |
| Tristan Xerri | Ruck |
| Wil Dawson | Defender |
| Riley Hardeman | Defender |
| Taylor Goad | Ruck |
| Matt Whitlock | Key Defender |
| Luke Parker | Midfielder |
| Tom Hawkins | Forward |
| Evan Hewitt | Forward/Ruckman |
| Dustin Martin | Midfielder/Forward |
North Melbourne Kangaroos’ Biggest Contracts
- Luke Davies-Uniacke – Midfielder: Luke Davies-Uniacke signed a six-year extension through 2028 worth approximately $5 million total. He reportedly earns $800,000-900,000 annually as the 2022 Syd Barker medallist. The 26-year-old averaged 25.4 disposals in 2024, providing rare consistency despite finishing last.
- Jy Simpkin – Captain/Midfielder: Jy Simpkin extended through 2027 on a deal worth approximately $4.5 million total. He earns an estimated $700,000-800,000 annually as club captain. The 27-year-old averaged 24.1 disposals in 2024, leading through consecutive wooden spoon seasons.
- Tristan Xerri – Ruckman: Tristan Xerri signed a five-year extension through 2029 worth approximately $3.5 million total. He earns an estimated $650,000-750,000 annually after winning the 2024 Syd Barker Medal. The 26-year-old averaged 29.2 hit-outs as North Melbourne’s elite ruckman.
- Nick Larkey – Key Forward: Nick Larkey extended through 2028 on a deal worth approximately $3.5 million total. He earns an estimated $600,000-700,000 annually after kicking 46 goals in 2024 despite poor midfield supply.
- Harry Sheezel – Defender/Midfielder: Harry Sheezel remains on a rookie contract earning approximately $200,000-250,000 through 2026. The 20-year-old Pick 3 selection won 2023 Rising Star and averaged 26.1 disposals in 2024, representing North Melbourne’s brightest future prospect.
North Melbourne’s top-five contracts total approximately $16-18 million across multiple years. The Kangaroos consume roughly 32-35% of salary cap space on these five players. This creates maximum flexibility for 18+ players on rookie-scale contracts earning $100,000-300,000.
How North Melbourne Manages the $16.49M Salary Cap
North Melbourne operates comfortably at approximately $13.5-14.5 million with $2-3 million remaining cap space. The Kangaroos allocate just 32-35% of salary cap to their top five players, allowing maximum youth investment.
The club cleared massive salary space by not replacing veteran departures. Ben McKay ($650K to Essendon), Jaidyn Stephenson ($500K delisted), and Jed Anderson ($400K delisted) all left between 2022-2023. These moves created approximately $1.55 million annual relief.
North Melbourne benefits from 20+ players aged 23 or under on entry-level contracts. This creates $3-4 million annual cap advantage versus Melbourne’s veteran-heavy list. The Roos’ average salary of $280,000 per player ranks AFL’s absolute lowest compared to Melbourne’s $430,000.
The club faces minimal pressure through 2028 with most young talent locked on rookie deals. Harry Sheezel ($250K), George Wardlaw ($200K), and Colby McKercher ($180K) all remain under contract through 2026.
North Melbourne’s Biggest Salary Cap Decision: Letting Ben McKay Walk
North Melbourne’s most significant decision came allowing Ben McKay departing to Essendon as unrestricted free agent in 2023. The club refused matching Essendon’s $3.5 million five-year offer, receiving only Pick 40 compensation.
McKay’s departure immediately saved approximately $650,000-700,000 annually. The Kangaroos redirected savings toward extending Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jy Simpkin on long-term deals while maintaining youth flexibility.
The gamble reflects ruthless rebuild philosophy. The club chose Harry Sheezel’s $250K development over McKay’s $700K proven output. McKay averaged 17.2 disposals across two Essendon seasons providing solid value for the Bombers.
This decision contrasts with Melbourne’s veteran retention. The Demons extended Max Gawn ($950K) and Steven May ($850K) through their 30s. North Melbourne cuts all veterans earning over $700K, creating clean salary slate.
Salary Cap Strategy: North Melbourne vs Melbourne
North Melbourne employs extreme youth investment spreading 32-35% of cap across five players earning $200,000-900,000. Melbourne pursues star concentration allocating 40-45% to five elite players earning $700,000-1.05 million.
The Roos maintain just four players earning over $600K annually. Melbourne has eight in that bracket. North Melbourne invests in Sheezel ($250K), Wardlaw ($200K), and McKercher ($180K). Melbourne maintains Gawn ($950K), Petracca ($1M), and Oliver ($950K).
North Melbourne’s philosophy accepts 3-20 records building toward 2026-2029 contention. Melbourne targets immediate success maximizing their aging core’s final years. The contrasting approaches show in draft capital: North Melbourne accumulated top-3 picks through tanking, Melbourne traded future picks for immediate reinforcement.
FAQs
How much does Luke Davies-Uniacke earn?
Luke Davies-Uniacke earns $800,000-900,000 annually on his six-year extension through 2028 worth approximately $5 million total. He’s North Melbourne’s highest-paid player despite finishing last with three wins.
What is Jy Simpkin’s contract worth?
Jy Simpkin signed through 2027 worth approximately $4.5 million total, earning $700,000-800,000 annually. The captain led through consecutive wooden spoons in 2023-2024.
Does North Melbourne have the most salary cap space?
North Melbourne has approximately $2-3 million remaining cap space, the AFL’s most flexibility. The club operates at $13.5-14.5 million under the $16.49 million soft cap after refusing veteran replacements.
Why did North Melbourne let Ben McKay leave?
North Melbourne refused matching Essendon’s $3.5 million five-year offer in 2023, allowing McKay to leave for Pick 40 compensation. The club prioritized cap flexibility and youth development over retaining a $700K defender during rebuild.
