Ben McKay has unwittingly clipped his former club with the ink yet to dry on his monster free agency move to the Bombers.
The key defender became one of the biggest stories of the trade period when details of his mega-deal with Essendon emerged — showing he will be the highest paid player in the league in 2024.
McKay moved from North Melbourne to Essendon during the recent Trade Period, joining the Bombers on a six-year deal worth around $850,000 per season.
Watch every match of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >
Essendon were active at the trade table, luring Jade Gresham from St Kilda, Xavier Duursma from Port Adelaide and veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein from North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos received pick three as trade compensation for the 25-year-old — leaving commentators aghast at the generous gift the Kangaroos have received from the league for letting McKay walk.
He clearly left the Roos on good terms with coach Alastair Clarkson at one point threatening to match any offer extended to McKay.
However, that good faith could be tested somewhat by his comments this week when he stumbled into the dangerous territory of describing his period with North Melbourne — where he won just eight times from his 71 games.
“The expectation is a privilege,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“I think, coming from North where we were a young group and didn’t have too much success, and we were on a different journey.
“It’s exciting to be part of a team that has some pressure on it.”
McKay said he believes Essendon is not far from success — and says it is the main reason he jumped ship.
“Essendon are right there, I think they’re right around the corner from having success,” McKay said.
He went on to say: “My contract, the money side, is between myself, my manager and family. The main reason why I came to Essendon wasn’t the money thing.
“But I think it’s a part of the industry that these things come out a little bit.”
According to reports, the Bombers swill have a salary cap war chest to chase more free agent signings in coming years.
McKay’s front-ended deal will allow the Bombers to be active in the free agency market going forward.
According to afl.com.au, the key defender will earn between $1.4 and $1.5 million in 2024.
Lance Franklin was paid around $1.5 million in the eighth year of his monster contract with the Sydney Swans, while 12 players were paid a salary of $1 million or more in 2022.
Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron, Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli and Melbourne pair Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca were in that range as well, along with GWS trio Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly.
McKay’s six-year deal runs through to the end of 2029, with a trigger for a seventh season.