“$2 million player”: Lyon tips Darcy for mega payday

Garry Lyon thinks that Western Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy could finish up the AFL’s highest earner ever by the time his career is said and done.

The 21-year-old star is currently contracted until the end of the 2029 season, and Lyon thinks that his next deal could be north of $2 million a season - a figure no player has ever earned in a single campaign.

Standing at 208cm with elite skills and touch, Darcy has started 2025 with a bang and Lyon’s comments came after he kicked four goals to go with eight marks and 15 disposals in the tight Round 2 loss to Collingwood.

While Lyon thinks that fellow 2021 draftee Nick Daicos will also earn money that may never been seen before, he thinks that Darcy’s earning capacity could be even bigger given his role and unicorn-like ability.

He discussed his big call with co-host Tim Watson on SEN’s The Rabbit Hole podcast.

Lyon: “I want to ask you about Sam Darcy, I think he’s going to be the first $2 million a year (player).

“In fact, I might go $2.2…”

Watson: “No, go $2.5. Can anyone afford him at $2.5 million?

“Is he a unicorn? Somebody very smart said to me that he could be our (Victor) Wembanyama. Could he be that?”

Lyon: “I was just thinking this, and no one begrudges anyone anything, but he’ll be the wealthiest footballer in history by the end of his footy career.

“I think his earning capacity and with how old he is, and Nick (Daicos) is going to get his wedge, but I don’t think anyone will be more handsomely paid (than Darcy).

“But since he’s probably not going to leave his club, it could end up being someone who gets more to leave.”

Darcy’s next chance to impress comes when the Dogs face the Blues at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Listen to the full episode of The Rabbit Hole with Garry and Tim here.