AFL great Nathan Brown has once again turned heads across the footy media landscape by revealing his annual list of the highest-paid figures in commentary – and this year, the figures are more jaw-dropping than ever.
Brown, a former Bulldogs and Richmond forward turned television presenter, has made a tradition of releasing what he claims are highly accurate earnings estimates for AFL media personalities.
He says his numbers are correct ‘to within two per cent’, and they’ve become a hot topic each year.
In 2025, Brown named Kane Cornes as the top-earning former player in footy media, estimating the outspoken commentator rakes in $950,000 per year.
Cornes, a Port Adelaide champion who played 300 games and won a premiership in 2004, has climbed from fifth on the list in 2024 to the top spot this year.
Since retiring, Cornes has become a leading media figure, known for his sharp analysis and fiery opinions.
AFL great Nathan Brown has put together his annual rich list of AFL commentators which has already caused a major stir
Controversy magnet Kane Cornes has rocketed up the list from fifth place to the highest-paid former player in commentatry
New face Nick Riewoldt, who returned from the US to resume his media career, came in second
He joined Channel 7’s AFL team in 2025, adding to his existing commitments on SEN’s ‘Fireball Friday’ with David King.
Cornes has been a magnet for controversy, particularly after North Melbourne banned him from club access this year over what they described as ‘bullying behaviour’ towards players including Harry Sheezel and Jy Simpkin.
His comments were also criticised by fellow media members, including his own co-host King.
Despite the backlash, Cornes remains a key player in footy media and a polarising figure among fans.
Behind Cornes on the list is Nick Riewoldt, making his first appearance after returning from two years living in the United States.
Riewoldt, a six-time St Kilda best-and-fairest and all-time leader in VFL/AFL marks, reportedly earns $900,000 from his new roles with Channel 7 and Triple M.
Brown claimed Fox Footy had tried to lure Riewoldt back with an AFL 360 offer, but Channel 7 swooped late with a $500,000 deal, while his breakfast radio show with Mick Molloy added significant income.
Known for his composed and intelligent analysis, Riewoldt has also stirred headlines.
Collingwood premiership winner Daisy Thomas made the list despite not being retained in Triple M’s breakfast lineup
Jason Dunstall, who was recently inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame, was also a big earner
He’s been vocal about the AFL’s drug policy and was recently involved in a public spat with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan after offering criticism that the Bulldogs star responded to on social media.
Veteran broadcaster Garry Lyon, a fixture on Fox Footy and SEN, dropped to third with $850,000. Jason Dunstall moved up to fourth at $600,000, while Brian Taylor, long associated with Channel 7’s high-energy coverage, slid to fifth with $550,000.
Sharing fifth spot is Daisy Thomas, the former Collingwood and Carlton forward who’s carved out a diverse post-footy media career.
Thomas, a premiership player in 2010, has become a popular media figure on Triple M and Channel 7. In 2025, he launched a golf show called ‘Teeing Off with Daisy Thomas’, aimed at amateur players.
He’s also set to co-host a new panel show, ‘The Agenda Setters’, alongside none other than Kane Cornes.
The duo have a colourful history, with public feuds and fiery on-air clashes, but now promise lively discussions on set.
Despite a radio setback – he wasn’t retained in Triple M’s breakfast lineup – Thomas has maintained a strong media presence.
Meanwhile, Brown also caused a stir by listing the top-paid commentators in the game who didn’t play at AFL level – with even more staggering salaries.
Of the non-footy players, James Brayshaw again topped the list with an eye-watering $1.5million in earnings
Mark Howard also cashed in, taking in a reported $1.3million which he jokingly said was off the mark
For the fifth straight year, James Brayshaw topped that list, earning a reported $1.5million thanks to lucrative contracts with Channel 7 and Triple M.
Brown’s Triple M Friday Huddle co-hosts were left gobsmacked when he declared Mark Howard is now the second highest-paid non-player commentator on $1.3million.
‘I don’t know where he hides it all,’ Brown joked. Howard responded by saying Brown had ‘made my numbers up’, though he couldn’t hide his surprise.
Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson placed third on the list at $950,000, while AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley was named fourth on $900,000 – prompting a stunned ‘wow’ from Howard during the segment.
Damian Barrett rounded out the top five with estimated earnings of $650,000.
Nathan Brown’s highest-earning AFL media figures in 2025
- 1. Kane Cornes – $950k
- 2. Nick Riewoldt – $900k
- 3. Garry Lyon – $850k
- 4. Jason Dunstall – $600k
- 5. Brian Taylor – $550k
- 5. Daisy Thomas – $550k
Nathan Brown’s Top 5 Footy media earnings 2024
- 1. James Brayshaw
- 2. Garry Lyon
- 3. Brian Taylor
- 4. Jason Dunstall
- 5. Kane Cornes
Nathan Brown’s Top 5 Footy media earnings 2023
- 1. James Brayshaw
- 2. Garry Lyon
- 3. Mark Howard
- 4. Anthony Hudson
- 5. Gerard Whateley
Nathan Brown’s Top 5 Footy media earnings 2022
- 1. Jonathan Brown
- 2. Mark Howard
- 3. Garry Lyon
- 4. James Brayshaw
- 5. Nathan Buckley
