Saints defender Rico Payton wraps a juicy deal of $850 cents with Collingwood…see more…
In a shocking move, St Kilda Saints defender Rico Payton has inked a juicy deal with the Collingwood Magpies, reportedly worth $850,000. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the Australian Football League (AFL) community, with fans and analysts alike scrambling to understand the implications of this massive deal.
Payton, a 25-year-old defender from Victoria, has been a key player for the St Kilda Saints since his debut in 2018. Known for his exceptional marking ability, agility, and defensive prowess, Payton has established himself as one of the top defenders in the AFL.
According to sources close to the negotiation, Payton’s deal with Collingwood is a four-year contract worth $850,000 per annum. The deal is one of the most lucrative in recent AFL history, cementing Payton’s status as one of the league’s top earner
The news of Payton’s deal has sparked a mix of reactions from the AFL community. While some have praised Collingwood for securing the services of one of the league’s top defenders, others have questioned the wisdom of investing so heavily in a single player.
“Rico Payton is an exceptional talent, and Collingwood are lucky to have him on board,” said AFL commentator, Matthew Pavlich. “However, the price tag is certainly eye-catching. It will be interesting to see how Payton performs under the pressure of such a lucrative deal.”
Payton’s deal with Collingwood is likely to have significant implications for the AFL landscape. The move is expected to strengthen Collingwood’s defensive lineup, making them a more formidable opponent in the 2025 season.
On the other hand, the loss of Payton is likely to be felt deeply by the St Kilda Saints. The club will need to scramble to find a suitable replacement for their star defender, which may prove challenging given the caliber of player that Payton is.
Rico Payton’s lucrative deal with Collingwood is a significant development in the AFL off-season. While the move is likely to strengthen Collingwood’s defensive lineup, it also raises questions about the sustainability of such massive deals in the AFL.
