Are you a fan of Aussie Rules football and want the real story behind Essendon’s key defender Ben McKay?
In this article, you’ll learn Ben McKay’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, detailed AFL stats, relationship insights, and more. Stay with us and get complete answers to all your burning questions about this remarkable AFL star.
Ben McKay’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben McKay |
| Date of Birth | 24 December 1997 |
| Age | 27 |
| Education | St Paul’s Anglican Grammar |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 202 cm (6 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 104 kg (229 lb) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $1.3 million |
| Club | Essendon Football Club |
Early Career
Ben McKay’s journey began in the Victorian town of Warragul, where he played local football for the Warragul Football Club. His school years at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar helped shape his discipline on and off the field. Football talent runs deep in McKay’s family, and even as a teenager, his determination set him apart.
Scouts first noticed him playing with the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup, and his size, athleticism, and ability to read the game made him a top prospect for the professional league. He supported Essendon as a child and worked hard in junior leagues, building the foundations for a successful AFL career.
Professional Career
North Melbourne selected Ben McKay as their first pick in the 2015 national draft, making him the 21st pick overall. He debuted in Round 23 of the 2017 season against the Brisbane Lions. McKay’s early years involved steady development as a defender, and by 2020, he had become an important part of North Melbourne’s back line.
In 2023, McKay moved to the Essendon Football Club as a restricted free agent, signing a historic contract. His height and strength have made him a cornerstone in defense for the Bombers, helping the team shut down some of the biggest forwards in the league.
Ben McKay’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ben McKay has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His wealth mainly comes from AFL salaries, contract bonuses, and a few select endorsements.
Contract
McKay signed a six-year deal with Essendon at the end of 2023, running through the 2029 season. The contract is front-loaded, meaning he earned higher payments in the early years and slightly less per year by 2025.
He landed this significant deal after leaving North Melbourne as a restricted free agent, which also resulted in North Melbourne receiving a high compensation draft pick.
Salary
Ben McKay earns about $1.3 million as part of his contract with Essendon, making him one of the AFL’s highest-paid defenders. The front-loaded structure saw his 2024 earnings hit $1.5 million before dropping slightly this year. The average annual value of his contract is around $800,000–$850,000 per season.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | North Melbourne | $80,000 |
| 2017 | North Melbourne | $120,000 |
| 2018 | North Melbourne | $180,000 |
| 2019 | North Melbourne | $250,000 |
| 2020 | North Melbourne | $400,000 |
| 2021 | North Melbourne | $600,000 |
| 2022 | North Melbourne | $700,000 |
| 2023 | North Melbourne | $850,000 |
| 2024 | Essendon | $1,500,000 |
| 2025 | Essendon | $1,300,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Club | Games | Goals | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Hit-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | North Melbourne | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 2019 | North Melbourne | 3 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| 2020 | North Melbourne | 11 | 0 | 43 | 59 | 102 | 36 | 17 | 2 |
| 2021 | North Melbourne | 22 | 0 | 99 | 111 | 210 | 95 | 31 | 0 |
| 2022 | North Melbourne | 15 | 1 | 92 | 47 | 139 | 82 | 11 | 0 |
| 2023 | North Melbourne | 19 | 0 | 146 | 86 | 232 | 113 | 22 | 0 |
| 2024 | Essendon | 23 | 0 | 162 | 141 | 303 | 122 | 32 | 4 |
| 2025 | Essendon | 10 | 0 | 51 | 37 | 88 | 44 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 104 | 1 | 606 | 498 | 1,104 | 503 | 126 | 9 |
FAQs
1. What makes Ben McKay a key player for Essendon?
Ben McKay strengthens Essendon’s defense with his ability to win one-on-one contests and intercept marks. He uses his height and positioning to shut down leading forwards, helping the team build attacks from the backline. His experience also brings confidence and stability to younger teammates.
2. How much does Ben McKay earn with his current Essendon contract?
McKay earns about $1.3 million with Essendon. His contract is front-loaded, so he received higher payments in the earlier years, making him one of the league’s top-paid defenders.
3. Does Ben McKay have a sibling playing professional football?
He has an identical twin brother, Harry McKay, who plays for Carlton in the AFL. They grew up competing and supporting each other, but only recently played against each other at the highest level.
4. Has Ben McKay faced any major injuries during his AFL career?
McKay has dealt with periods on the injury list, including when Essendon announced he would miss a match due to injury. Recovery and resilience helped him return to the field quickly and contribute to his team.
5. What are some highlights from Ben McKay’s AFL career so far?
Ben McKay reached his 100th AFL game milestone. He has consistently taken on top opposition forwards, contributed significant intercept marks and disposals, and played a major part in Essendon’s defensive structure since joining the club.
