How much will Kobe McDonald earn as an AFL star after All-Ireland triumph
Mayo breakout sensation Kobe McDonald is preparing to leave Ireland to chase a professional sporting career in Australia, having only just sat his Leaving Cert.The 18-year-old has firmly established himself as one of Mayo's most vital players, and was instrumental in helping his county claim victory in Sunday's final at Croke Park, as Mayo ended 75 years of heartache to be crowned All-Ireland champions in a gripping decider against Kerry.Now, he's gearing up to take the next step in his sporting journey. Last November, he put pen to paper with St. Kilda Football Club in Australia as a Category B rookie, switching codes to Aussie Rules.His move was put on hold until he completed his Leaving Cert, meaning he's likely to be heading Down Under shortly now that the GAA Championship has wrapped up. The well-regarded club has an impressive track record of developing rookie-listed players into elite performers, which could prove very lucrative for the young star.According to Business Plus, his new role could see him earn serious money if he manages to climb the ranks — and given his outstanding displays for Mayo this season, belief in the teenager is sky-high, reports RSVP Live.A Category B rookie receives a base salary of around AUS$58,000, roughly €33,000, in 2026 and 2027 under the current bargaining agreement; this can be topped up with senior match appearances that amount to AUS$4,000.There is also a chance of further bonuses, which are capped at AUS$12,000 (€14K) Wages increase the longer players remain at the club, and once a player has spent three years at St. Kilda, they are guaranteed a minimum salary of at least AUS$155,000 (around €85,000).However, for those at the pinnacle of the sport, top earnings are capped at AUS$18.3m (around €10.4m) in 2026.GQ Australia identifies the league's current best-paid player as Richmond's Tom Lynch, who pocketed somewhere between AUS$1.45m and AUS$1.55m, roughly €820,000 to €880,000, in 2025.Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
