Max Knobel stands out as a promising AFL ruckman making headlines for his athletic presence and growth in the game.
This article explains Knobel’s net worth, contract, annual salary, updated career earnings, career overview, stats, and even insights into his relationships.
Max Knobel’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max Knobel |
| Date of Birth | 27 June 2004 |
| Age | 21 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 206 cm |
| Weight | 91 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Career Earnings | $200,000 |
| Contract Status | N/A |
Early Career
Max Knobel comes from a football family, with his father Trent Knobel playing at clubs like Brisbane, St Kilda, and Richmond.
Originally, the younger Knobel grew up on the Gold Coast and started his junior career with the Surfers Paradise Demons. He later joined Gippsland Power, where his height and ability began attracting attention.
By 2022, Knobel had grown to 206 cm and 91 kg, outperforming his dad’s record. His performances in the AFL U18 Championships, especially as Vic Country’s standout ruck, showcased his ability to win hitouts and be a physical presence inside 50.
Coaches and scouts viewed him as a long-term project, recognizing his raw potential and room for development.
Professional Career
Knobel joined the Fremantle Dockers from Gippsland Power. Despite spending two seasons at Fremantle, he did not break into a senior game but continued training as a ruck backup.
By the end of 2024, Gold Coast Suns poached him in the rookie draft, giving Knobel a chance to prove his value on a new roster. He enters the 2025 season as a third-string ruckman, likely starting most of his time in the VFL as he develops behind key rucks such as Moyle and Witts.
Despite being low on production, he works to increase his versatility and playing time by adding skills in the forward and backlines.
Max Knobel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Max Knobel’s net worth is estimated at $200,000.
Contract
Knobel’s current contract places him on the Gold Coast Suns rookie list for 2025. Previously, Fremantle had planned to keep him on their rookie list, but the Gold Coast Suns selected him during official drafts, leading to his move across the country.
This contract reflects the status and salary cap rules for rookie-listed players, emphasizing his developmental role on the team.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Max Knobel’s estimated annual salary is $200,000, which is typical for an AFL rookie-listed player. As Knobel continues developing and proving himself on the field, this salary may increase in future years depending on performance, senior team selection, and new contract negotiations.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Fremantle Dockers | $100,000 |
| 2024 | Fremantle Dockers | $100,000 |
| 2025 | Gold Coast Suns | $200,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Hitouts | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Vic Country (U18) | 4 | 11 | 17 | 28 | 7 | 56 | 0 |
| 2022 | Gippsland Power | 12 | 53 | 40 | 93 | 26 | 199 | 5 |
FAQs
1.Who is Max Knobel and what position does he play?
Max Knobel is an Australian rules football player who primarily plays as a ruckman. He stands 206 cm tall and has played for Gippsland Power, Fremantle, and the Gold Coast Suns, showing strong potential in his early career.
2. How did Knobel start his football journey, and what is his family background?
Knobel began playing junior football with Gippsland Power and was drafted from Maffra, Victoria. He is the son of Trent Knobel, who played 75 AFL games for Brisbane, St Kilda, and Richmond, providing him with a strong family connection to the sport.
3. What are some of Max Knobel’s key strengths on the field?
His strengths include ruck craft, strong marking ability, versatility around the ground, inside 50 presence, and dependable hands. Knobel is recognized for his mobility for a player of his size and his ability to impact both ruck contests and forward plays.
4. How has Knobel’s career developed since being drafted, and what teams has he played for?
Since being drafted by Fremantle with pick 42, Knobel spent two years developing at Fremantle and played in the WAFL for Peel Thunder. He later joined the Gold Coast Suns, where he is seen as a key development player, mainly playing as a backup ruckman in the VFL.
5. What challenges or improvements has Max Knobel focused on in his development?
Knobel has worked to add strength, increase his production outside ruck stoppages, and become more consistent in contested marking. Coaches have identified that building muscle and refining his all-around game are priorities to reach AFL standard.
