'Major concern' raised as AFL greats react to 'undeniable talent' inking richest ever deal

The AFL world has reacted with shock to the news Gold Coast may pay young forward Mac Andrew $12 million over the course of nine years.

The Suns on Wednesday announced a five-year extension for the 20-year-old beanpole which finishes at the end of the 2030 season.

But Nine's Tom Morris reports the contract has clauses for an additional four years, and says if Andrew does remain until the end of 2034 he will pocket $12m in total.

READ MORE: Head belts record runs in an over as Aussies smash England

READ MORE: 'Hard ask' McLaren face amid Piastri title threat

READ MORE: Backflipped Raiders star needs to 'fire up' after 'wasted year'

It makes it potentially the longest and most lucrative deal ever signed in the sport.

Outspoken commentator Kane Cornes famously has a bugbear about long-term deals and on Wednesday reacted to the news on X.

"Twelve (million) over nine (years) - Mac has stitched them up," Cornes tweeted.

Former Hawks and Bulldogs player Nathan Brown was equally surprised by the deal but trusts Gold Coast knows what it's doing.

"Long contracts are always a risk," Brown told Nine's Today.

"But when you're the Gold Coast Suns you want to retain players, and you need to be able to keep them up there. So many players have left that football club.

"They've identified that this kid Mac Andrew can be the next Buddy Franklin, the next Jeremy Cameron, and they are big dollars.

"I've watched him play and he is an undeniable talent.

"Can he do that long term? The Suns think so.

"He is a one in a generation talent. Can he put it together for (nine) years? You would have to back them in. But (it's) a lot of money."

Essendon legend Tim Watson says Andrew doesn't necessarily need to be winning Coleman Medals and being in the All-Australian team every year in order to fulfil his end of the bargain.

"I think internally there is always a different measurement as opposed to externally, and perhaps what fans might be thinking," Watson said on SEN radio.

"Sam Collins won the Gold Coast Suns' best and fairest, (and) I don't think anyone outside the club would have him in their top five players.

"There will be different evaluation that happens internally... but my major concern would be... he's not even 21 years of age, that is head-spinning money.

"You've got to be satisfied - from a club's perspective - that he's got the maturity, the professionalism, the attitude, the diligence.

"If you are putting that type of a contract in front of a young player you are believing that he is going to develop into a leader... and he's going to drive the club to where you want them to be."

Speaking to Nine on Wednesday night, Morris explained details of the contract.

'I hope I played a small part in entertaining': Every AFL player that will hang up the boots in 2024

'Not how I saw my career ending': Brad Crouch's sad reality as he joins AFL's 2024 retirees

"Although the Suns have shuffled his money for next season, the deal really begins in 2026," he said.

"If he hits a games trigger by the end of 2030, that will trigger another four years."

Andrew spoke candidly about his commitment to the Suns.

"I love everything about this place. I've made a home for myself up here and have a great support base here," Andrew said via a club statement on Wednesday night.

"I'm really keen to be a part of the first team that wins a premiership on the Coast. To be the first to do that would be pretty special and something I really want to be a part of.

"It's pretty evident we are heading in the right direction and I just want to play my role in what will be something great.

"I don't want to take my career for granted, I really want to make the most of it and grab every opportunity with both hands."