Gold Coast Suns sign star to richest deal in AFL history

Mac Andrew is the new richest player in the history of the ALF. The Gold Coast Suns have signed the 20-year-old utility to a six-year contract with a trigger for a further four years. The overall package is worth an estimated $12-14m. Andrew has made 41 appearances for the Suns since he was picked No. 5 overall in the 2021 AFL Draft. 

Gold Coast secure young star 

After a breakout campaign this season, Mac Andrew was set to be one of the most in-demand players this closed season.  
 
The 6’7” utility has scored nine goals in his short professional career so far. He was nominated for the 2023 AFL rising star award. In 2024, he was named to the AFL Players’ Association’s 22under22 team.  
 
With just one year left on his contract, a number of clubs were reportedly interested in taking Andrew away from Gold Coast Suns. Hawthorn and Collingwood looked like the biggest contender to sign him. In the end, Suns kept their man.  
 
Andrew has agreed to a new contract that will see him stay at the club until at least 2030. Nothing has been announced yet, but the deal seems almost certain.  
 
“All that is remaining is for Andrew to sign on the dotted line and for the AFL to approve the deal,” 9News Melbourne's Tom Morris said on Wednesday.  
 
The AFL should have no problem approving the deal, even though it is a slightly peculiar one. It is technically a five-year contract extension, starting in 2025. There is also a four-year option that can be triggered if Andrew makes over 60 appearances for the Suns.  
 
The overall deal is reportedly worth over $12m, making it the richest in AFL history.  It will also be one of the longest deals in AFL history.  

Suns complete statement signing 

The news of Mac Andrew’s new contract has stunned the AFL world. The Suns missed out on the finals and are one of the betting sites favourites to miss out again next season. A signing like this was really unexpected considering their current situation.  
 
The Herald Sun’s Lauren Wood said the signing a “huge statement.”  
 
Glen McFarlane said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle called the deal “the most significant signing for the Gold Coast since Gary Ablett.” 
 
“There were clubs coming for him everywhere,” McFarlane continued, “Damian Hardwick was so excited about the toys at the Gold Coast that he really wanted. This isn’t just the toys. This is getting a hold of Santa’s sack three months before Christmas. How good is this for the Gold Coast.” 

It’s too early to say whether signing Mac Andrew to a new deal is just the beginning of a big offseason for Gold Coast. Suns fans are definitely hoping there is more to come. Gold Coast finished 13th in the ladder this season with 44 points, eight points back of a finals series spot.