Sam Draper is an Australian rules footballer and a ruckman for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
He was recruited as the 1st draft pick in the 2017 AFL rookie draft.
You can follow Sam Draper‘s net worth, salary, contract, career details, earnings, endorsements, relationship status, career stats, and more here.
Draper’s Net Worth Details
Sam Draper’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025. His career earnings from his AFL contracts have contributed significantly to this net worth.
Draper’s current Essendon contract for 2024 is worth at least $600,000 – $800,000 for that season alone. Draper’s current contract with Essendon runs until 2025, and his 2024 season price/value is $650,000.
Draper signed a contract extension with Essendon to keep him until at least the end of 2025.
Contract
2022 Draper signed a lucrative four-year contract extension with Essendon, which will keep him with the club until 2025.
Draper is on a contract with Essendon that runs until the end of the 2025 AFL season after signing a two-year extension in 2022.
Based on his status as an established AFL ruckman, his current deal is likely worth around $600,000- $800,000 per season.
In 2019, he turned down a massive 4-year, $1.7 million offer from St Kilda to remain at Essendon long-term.
He is recovering from groin surgery in late 2023 but is expected to be available for the start of the 2024 season, with no rush on his return date.
Salary
| Year | Salary |
| 2025 | $500,000 – $600,000 |
| 2024 | $500,000 – $600,000 |
| 2023 | $376,200 |
| 2022 | $387,300 |
| 2021 | $398,000 |
| 2020 | $320,800 |
| 2019 | $123,900 |
| 2018 | $123,900 |
| 2017 | $129,400 |
Endorsements
Draper’s recent 2-year contract extension with Essendon until the end of 2025 is an “important endorsement” of the club’s new coach, Brad Scott.
The focus is primarily on his AFL career, contract details, and role with the Essendon Football Club.
Draper has endorsement deals with several brands, including Adidas, Gatorade, and Toyota, adding to his overall net worth.
About Sam Draper
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Sam Draper |
| Nickname | Drapes |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1998 (Age 25) |
| Place of Birth | South Australia |
| Height | 205 cm (6’9″) |
| Weight | 105 kg (231 lbs) |
| Position | Ruckman/Forward |
| Original Team | South Adelaide (SANFL) |
| Draft | No. 1, 2017 AFL Rookie Draft |
| Current Club | Essendon Football Club |
| Guernsey Number | 2 |
College Career
He was born in South Australia but lived in Brede, East Sussex, for six years, where he played association football (soccer) as a goalkeeper and defender.
At age 17, he decided to try Australian rules football and joined the Reynella Wineflies Football Club near Adelaide.
Professional Career
After just a handful of games with Reynella, Draper was invited to join the South Adelaide club in the SANFL in 2016.
As a 203cm ruck prospect, he impressed with his athleticism and won the club’s Under 18 Rising Star award. Just nine months after his first Australian rules game, Essendon selected Draper with the first pick in the 2017 AFL rookie draft.
Draper spent his first two seasons developing in Essendon’s VFL side, showing rapid improvement. In 2019, he was closing in on an AFL debut but suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
He finally made his AFL debut in Round 9, 2020, and played eight games that year, winning Essendon’s Rising Star award.
Relationship Status
Paolo Banchero is not married and is currently single. He is focused on his career, keeping his personal life aside.
Career Stats
| Season | Games | Goals | Disposals | Hitouts | Clearances |
| 2020 | 8 | 10 | 8.9 | 21.5 | 2.1 |
| 2021 | 13 | 24 | 10.2 | 28.8 | 3.5 |
| 2022 | 22 | 12 | 11.6 | 33.4 | 4.2 |
| 2023 | 22 | 12 | 13.1 | 37.7 | 4.8 |
| 2024 | 14 | 10 | 12.8 | 35.6 | 4.6 |
Career Achievements
- He plays for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
- Made his AFL debut for Essendon in 2020.
- Kicked his first AFL goal in Round 6, 2020, against Hawthorn.
- Played 16 games in his debut season in 2020.
- Established himself as a key position player and tall forward for Essendon.
- In 2023, he had a breakout season, kicking 38 goals and establishing himself as one of the AFL’s best young key forwards.
- His strong form in 2023 earned him recognition with selection in the 2023 All-Australian team as a forward.
- At just 22 years old, he is considered one of the most promising young talents in the AFL and a crucial part of Essendon’s future.
- Essendon Rising Star Award (2020)
- 2x Essendon Leading Hitout Player (2022, 2023)
FAQs
What club does Sam Draper play for?
Sam Draper plays for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
What position does he play?
He is a key position player, a ruckman, and a tall forward.
When did he make his AFL debut?
He made his AFL debut for Essendon in 2020.
What are some of his career highlights so far?
Draper’s key achievements include kicking 38 goals in his breakout 2023 season, being selected in the 2023 All-Australian team as a forward, and having a large mural commissioned of him at Essendon’s former home ground, Windy Hill.
How old is Sam Draper?
He is 22 years old.
Has he had any significant injuries?
He has dealt with a groin injury that caused him to miss the start of the 2024 season as he worked to be fit for round 1.
Can fans book personalized video messages from Sam Draper?
Yes, fans can book personalized video shoutouts and messages from Sam Draper through the Swysh platform.
Does Sam Draper have an official fan club?
Yes, fans can join his official fan club, the “Fan Pass,” on Swysh to receive exclusive video updates from him throughout the AFL season.
Are there any Sam Draper merchandise items available?
The AFL Store sells an Essendon Bombers bobblehead figurine of Sam Draper.
How is Sam Draper rated as a young AFL talent?
He is considered one of the most promising and talented young key position players in the AFL and a crucial part of Essendon’s plans.
