Andrew Demetriou's $400,000 salary jump leaves Gary Ablett in his wake Mike Sheahan
Herald Sun
February 25, 2011 AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has crashed through the $2 million barrier, earning $2.2 million last year.
His annual salary package, including superannuation, bonuses and a reward for loyalty, jumped from $1.8 million in 2009 (up 22 per cent).
His base package was $1.35 million, with bonuses and an incentive payment as part of the AFL's retention strategy amounting to a further $850,000, a weekly rate of more than $40,000.
Gold Coast's Gary Ablett will be the highest-paid player this year, with his five-year contract believed to be worth about $1.8 million a year.
Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Chris Judd and St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt are believed to be the next highest at just over $1 million.
Collingwood coach Michael Malthouse is believed to top the coaches' salaries at just over $1 million annually.
Demetriou's salary has more than quadrupled since he became the most powerful man in football in September 2003 on a salary package of $560,000.
The AFL executive of 11 people took salaries, retention payments and bonuses of $6.2 million, an average of $560,000, last year. The bonuses are based on revenue, attendances, membership and participation numbers.
AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick says in a media release to be issued today: "Congratulations are in order for our executive team, led by Andrew, and all staff, for what they have been able to achieve during the past 12 months."
Demetriou can expect another hefty increase this year as the AFL prepares to negotiate a $1 billion return from media rights for 2012-16, up by more than 25 per cent.
Fitzpatrick announced record revenue of $335.8 million, up by more than 10 per cent, and a record operating surplus of $23 million.
The AFL also registered record club membership.
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