Essendon’s dynamic midfielder Elijah Tsatas has quickly become one of the most intriguing young talents in the AFL since his top-five selection in the 2022 draft.
Fans are eager to know how his high-potential career is translating into financial success and on-field performance.
In this article, you will know Elijah Tsatas’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more as he navigates the 2025 season.
Elijah Tsatas’ Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elijah Tsatas |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 2004 |
| Age | 21 |
| Education | Wesley College, Melbourne |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 187 cm |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2022 (Drafted) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $400,000 AUD |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Approx. $500,000+ AUD (Career Total) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @elijahtsatas |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Elijah Tsatas displayed elite potential long before he donned the red and black sash. He played his junior football for the Oakleigh Chargers in the NAB League, where his speed and ball-winning ability made him a standout prospect.
His time at Wesley College further cemented his reputation as a premier midfielder in the Victorian school system. Despite suffering a foot fracture during his draft year that sidelined him for several months, he returned to dominate the competition.
He averaged nearly 34 disposals in his return games for Oakleigh, showcasing the resilience and class that would eventually make him a top-five pick.
His junior career was defined by his ability to break lines with his pace and accumulate possessions at will, traits that had recruiters circling him as a priority selection.
Professional Career
Essendon selected Tsatas with the valuable pick No. 5 in the 2022 AFL National Draft, ignoring trade offers to secure his services.
His debut season in 2023 was delayed due to a meniscus injury in pre-season, but he eventually broke into the senior side later in the year. He played four games in his rookie season, showing glimpses of his accumulation skills.
The 2024 season saw him playing a mix of VFL and senior football as he worked on his defensive running and contested game, adding another seven AFL caps to his tally.
By 2025, Tsatas continued to fight for a permanent spot in a competitive Bombers midfield, playing five senior games while dominating at the VFL level when not selected.
His journey has been one of persistence, battling injuries and strong competition to establish himself as a core part of Essendon’s future engine room.
Elijah Tsatas’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Elijah Tsatas has an estimated net worth of approximately $400,000 AUD, built primarily through his AFL playing contracts and match payments.
Contract
Tsatas signed the standard initial two-year contract mandated for all draftees, which covered the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In 2023, demonstrating their faith in his long-term potential, Essendon signed him to a two-year extension.
This deal secures his future at the club until the end of the 2026 season, preventing him from entering the open market early.
Salary
Tsatas entered the league on a higher base salary than lower selections, earning approximately $130,000 in base pay during his first season plus match payments of around $4,000 per senior game played.
His salary increased in his second year and his current extension likely places his guaranteed earnings in the range of $250,000 to $350,000 annually for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, regardless of senior selection.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Essendon | $146,000 |
| 2024 | Essendon | $170,000 |
| 2025 | Essendon | $280,000 |
| Total | $596,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Avg Disposals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Essendon | 4 | 1 | 16.0 |
| 2024 | Essendon | 7 | 0 | 15.3 |
| 2025 | Essendon | 5 | 1 | 16.8 |
| Total | 16 | 2 | 15.9 |
FAQs
1. Which AFL team drafted Elijah Tsatas?
Essendon selected Elijah Tsatas with the fifth overall pick during the 2022 National Draft. The club prioritized his high-end talent and refused multiple trade offers from other teams to ensure they secured him for their future midfield.
2. What position does Tsatas play?
Tsatas operates as a dynamic midfielder who uses his elite speed to burst away from congested stoppages. He consistently wins possession on the inside and utilizes his clean hands to effectively set up teammates on the outside.
3. When does the contract for Tsatas expire?
Elijah signed a two-year contract extension with Essendon in February 2024, demonstrating his strong commitment to the Bombers. This new deal secures the young midfielder’s future at the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
4. Has Elijah Tsatas suffered any major injuries?
He experienced a meniscus tear in his knee before his debut season and suffered a hamstring strain. These unfortunate setbacks forced him to miss significant playing time during his early years in the league.
5. When did Tsatas make his AFL debut?
Tsatas played his first senior game against the West Coast Eagles in Round 21 of the 2023 season. He collected 14 disposals and helped Essendon achieve a thrilling one-point victory at Marvel Stadium after returning from knee surgery.
