Michael Doughty remains one of the most respected figures in
Adelaide Crows history, transitioning from a reliable tagger and defender to a highly influential player manager.
Although he retired from the AFL over a decade ago, his financial standing in 2025 reflects a successful post-football career. Known for his work ethic on the field, Doughty has applied that same dedication to guiding the next generation of AFL stars.
In this article, you will know Michael Doughty’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Michael Doughty’s Biography
| Category |
Details |
| Full Name |
Michael Doughty |
| Date of Birth |
August 5, 1979 |
| Age |
46 |
| Education |
South Australia (High School) |
| Nationality |
Australian |
| Height |
178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight |
80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Turned Pro |
2000 (AFL Debut) |
| Net Worth |
$1.5 Million – $2 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings |
~$2.5 Million+ (AFL + Management) |
| Wife |
Name Not Publicly Listed (Married) |
| Children |
3 Sons |
| Current Role |
Player Agent (TLA Worldwide) |
Early Career
Michael Doughty began his journey in South Australia, playing his junior football for South Adelaide in the SANFL. Unlike many high draft picks who enter the system with fanfare, Doughty had to earn his way onto an AFL list.
He was originally rookie-listed by the Adelaide Crows, a path that requires immense persistence and performance to upgrade to the senior list.
His early days at the club were defined by hard work. He made his AFL debut in Round 6 of the 2000 season against Hawthorn. While not the flashiest player, his ability to execute a role and his defensive discipline quickly endeared him to the coaching staff.
By the early 2000s, he had cemented his spot in the team, proving that a rookie-listed player could become a vital component of an AFL side.
Professional Career
Michael Doughty enjoyed a distinguished 13-season career with the Adelaide Crows, playing a total of 231 games. He was the ultimate team player, often tasked with tagging the opposition’s most dangerous small forwards or midfielders—a thankless job that he performed with elite discipline.
His consistency was his hallmark; between 2005 and 2012, he rarely missed a game, finishing in the top 10 of the club’s Best and Fairest count multiple times.
He retired at the end of the 2012 season, leaving the game on his own terms after helping the Crows reach a Preliminary Final.
However, his professional life in football was far from over. Immediately after retiring, Doughty transitioned into player management. In 2025, he is a prominent player agent with TLA Worldwide (formerly ESP), one of Australia’s leading sports management firms.
In this role, he manages the careers of current AFL stars, negotiating contracts and guiding them through the pressures of professional sport, a job he describes as a passion suited to his desire to help young players.
Michael Doughty’s Net Worth Details
As 2026, Michael Doughty has an estimated net worth between $1.5 million and $2 million. This wealth is a combination of his earnings during his 13-year AFL playing career and his lucrative second career as a top-tier player agent.
Contract
During his playing days, Doughty was a reliable veteran, but not a marquee superstar on a million-dollar contract. His final contract extension in 2011 was a one-year deal that allowed him to play his 13th season.
As a player agent in 2025, his income is commission-based, derived from a percentage of the contracts he negotiates for his clients—a figure that can be substantial given the rising salary cap in the AFL.
Salary
In his prime as a player (late 2000s), Doughty’s estimated salary would have been in the range of $250,000 to $350,000 annually, standard for a senior regular at that time.
Today, as a senior agent at TLA, his annual income likely exceeds his playing salary, potentially ranging between $300,000 and $500,000, depending on his client list’s performance and contract cycles.
Career Earnings
| Year |
Club |
Estimated Earnings |
| 2012 |
Adelaide Crows |
~$275,000 |
| 2011 |
Adelaide Crows |
~$300,000 |
| 2006-2010 |
Adelaide Crows |
~$1.2 Million (Combined) |
| 2000-2005 |
Adelaide Crows |
~$600,000 (Combined) |
| Total |
Playing Career |
~$2.3 – $2.5 Million |
Career Stats
| Stat Category |
Total |
| Games Played |
231 |
| Goals |
46 |
| Disposals |
~3,900+ |
| Debut |
2000 (Round 6) |
| Retirement |
2012 |
| Club Best & Fairest |
Top 10 finishes (Multiple) |
FAQs
1. Who did Michael Doughty play for?
Michael Doughty played his entire AFL career for the Adelaide Crows, spanning 13 seasons from 2000 to 2012.
2. What is Michael Doughty doing now?
Michael Doughty is a successful player agent with TLA Worldwide, managing the careers of current AFL players.
3. How many games did Michael Doughty play?
He played a total of 231 AFL games for the Adelaide Crows, ranking him among the club’s most capped players.
4. Is Michael Doughty married?
Yes, Michael Doughty is married and has three sons. He and his family live in South Australia.
5. What position did Michael Doughty play?
He was primarily a tagger and small defender, known for his ability to shut down dangerous opposition players while also finding the ball himself.
