‘Way unders’: Legend stunned by $1 million Lions deal
James Hird was in disbelief to hear the figures behind Logan Morris’ new deal with Brisbane, believing the 21-year-old star has sold himself short.
Cal Twomey revealed on Nine’s Footy Classified that Morris will be paid “close to a million dollars” after signing a three-year contract extension.
Logan Morris has re-signed with Brisbane. AFL Photos via Getty Images
That number, while still a seven-figure salary for the Lions gun, immediately raised eyebrows on the panel, prompting Hird to question it.
Hird argued that Morris could command a minimum of $1.5 million at almost any other club in the competition, suggesting he’s taking a massive discount.
“Really? Only a million dollars? That seems way unders for a player who could ask for one and a half almost anywhere in the competition,” the Essendon great said.
“For 500 [thousand] less …I know you want to be loyal, but there’s loyalty and there’s half a million dollars.”
Morris wasn’t due to come off-contract until the end of next year, but proactively re-signed with the Lions until the end of 2029.
His decision to turn his back on multi-million dollar offers from rival AFL clubs was the talk of the league, Twomey admitted.
“As one club said to me today, that should be the six-month rate. That’s what he could have got for half the season.”
The young forward was taken with pick 31 in the 2023 draft and had a famous debut the following year after Lions defender Brandon Starcevich injured his calf in warm-ups.
Morris had already played a VFL game that morning and was a late inclusion, not even having his boots with him at the ground.
“He made his debut after eating a hamburger and forgot his boots. It is a remarkable rise to where he’s got to and what a great player,” Hird added.
As one of the games most exciting prospects, having kicked 144 goals in just 69 AFL games and finishing second in this year’s Coleman Medal behind Sydney’s Charlie Curnow, other teams will look to snap him up once his deal ends.
“[He could be available from] the end of his sixth year, so not quite at free agency. Victorian clubs will continue to come for him, of course – Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne, they’re all after him,” Twomey added.
“He already said no to Tasmania.”
Morris will play in Brisbane’s preliminary final against Hawthorn on Saturday.
