Kai Lohmann: Shaved Head, Salary, and Career Rise

There’s something about a fresh haircut that can change everything — even for an AFL player. Kai Lohmann, the Brisbane Lions forward, turned heads in 2024 when he shaved off his long blond hair, but that’s just one chapter in his rapid rise from country Victoria to back-to-back grand finals, and in February 2025 he signed a contract extension keeping him at the Lions until the end of 2027.

Age: 21 (as of 2025) ·
Height: 185 cm ·
Team: Brisbane Lions ·
Debut: 2022 ·
Games Played: 72 (as of 2025)

Ten facts, one table: a quick reference for the key biographical and career details.

What happened to Kai Lohmann?

Overview of recent events

• Kai Lohmann shaved his head before an AFL match, attracting widespread attention (Brisbane Lions).
• He rubbed his head before teammate Cam Rayner’s kiss during a goal celebration, captured in a viral moment.
• He played in both the 2024 and 2025 AFL Grand Finals, solidifying his role in the Lions’ forward line.

The implication: his shaved head became a symbol of a new, more confident phase — but the real story is his consistent performance on the biggest stage.

Shaved head and new look

• The Lions’ official player page highlights a ‘new look’ story referencing Lohmann’s shaved head (Brisbane Lions).
• In a YouTube interview, Lohmann said he “got a cut last night” and shaved off his mullet completely (YouTube).
• He also said he loves his long hair and would grow it back eventually.

What this means: the buzz cut was a temporary change, not a permanent style shift — but it marked a turning point in his public image.

Grand final appearances

• Lohmann played in the 2024 grand final as a Rising Star nominee.
• He returned for the 2025 grand final, demonstrating his value to the team.
• His contract extension in February 2025 ensures he remains a key part of Brisbane’s plans (ABC News).

The pattern: from a mid-season debutant to a grand final regular in just three years — a trajectory few can match.

Where is Kai Lohmann from?

Hometown in Victoria

• Born and raised in Maryborough, Victoria, a country town about 170 km northwest of Melbourne (Wikipedia).
• His family still lives in the area, and he often returns during the off-season.

Junior football career

• Played junior football for Maryborough and then for the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League.
• Represented Victoria Country at the under-16 level.

Draft and move to Brisbane

• Drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 29 in the 2021 AFL Draft (Brisbane Lions).
• Moved from country Victoria to Brisbane at age 18, adapting to a new city and lifestyle.

The catch: leaving a small country town for a big AFL club is a leap many don’t make — Lohmann not only made it, but thrived.

Did Kai Lohmann shave his head?

The buzz cut moment

• Yes, he shaved off his long blond hair during the 2024 season (Brisbane Lions).
• Wikipedia notes he shaved his hair before the Lions’ semi-final against Gold Coast Suns (Wikipedia).

AFL match incident

• During a goal celebration, Lohmann rubbed his shaved head before teammate Cam Rayner planted a kiss on it — a moment that went viral.
• The Lions’ official story titled “New look, same Lohmann: Kai rubs shaved head before Cam’s kiss” captured the scene (Brisbane Lions).

Fan reactions

• Fans on social media were divided: some loved the bold look, others missed the long hair.
• Lohmann himself said he’d grow it back, adding a lighthearted touch to the buzz.

Why this matters: the haircut became a talking point, but it also showed Lohmann’s willingness to have fun on the field — a trait that endears him to fans.

How much does Kai Lohmann get paid?

AFL salary structures

• Exact salary for Lohmann is not publicly disclosed, as AFL player contracts are generally kept confidential.
• Rookie contracts typically range from $80,000 to $100,000 per year, while senior players can earn much more.
• Lohmann’s 2025 contract extension suggests he is now on a senior deal, but the exact figure remains unknown.

Rookie vs senior contracts

• He was originally a rookie pick, but after his breakout 2024 season, he likely moved to a senior contract tier.
• ZeroHanger lists a fantasy price of $300,700 and another of $552,000, but these are not actual salary figures (ZeroHanger).

Estimated earnings

• Given his Rising Star nomination and grand final appearances, his market value is estimated between $150,000 and $300,000 per year, but no official source confirms this.
• The AFL Players’ Association does not release individual salaries.

The trade-off: we know he’s paid enough to stay at Brisbane until 2027, but the exact number is a mystery — and that’s typical for young AFL players.

What is Kai Lohmann’s contract situation?

Contract extension 2025

• On 11 February 2025, Lohmann signed a two-year contract extension with the Brisbane Lions, keeping him at the club until the end of 2027 (ABC News).
• The extension was announced by the club, with Lohmann expressing his commitment to Brisbane.

Future contract details

• Beyond 2027, his future is uncertain — he could re-sign or become a free agent.
• Yahoo reported that Lohmann and Logan Morris both signed two-year extensions, tying them to the Lions through the next season (Yahoo News Australia).

The upshot: Brisbane has locked in a promising forward for the prime years of his career, and Lohmann has security to focus on his game.

Timeline

• 6 May 2003 — Born in Maryborough, Victoria (Wikipedia)
• 2021 — Drafted by Brisbane Lions (Brisbane Lions)
• 2022 — AFL debut (Brisbane Lions)
• 2024 — Shaved head, nominated for Rising Star, played in first Grand Final (Brisbane Lions)
• 2025 — Played in second consecutive Grand Final, signed contract extension (ABC News)

The pattern: each year has brought a new milestone — from debut to grand finalist to signed star.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Kai Lohmann born 6 May 2003 in Maryborough, Victoria
• Plays for Brisbane Lions
• Shaved his head in 2024
• Signed contract extension until 2027
• Nominated for AFL Rising Star 2024

What’s unclear

• Exact salary figure
• Reason for shaving head (speculation)
• Future contract details beyond 2027
• Relationship status (not publicly confirmed)

What they’re saying

“New look, same Lohmann: Kai rubs shaved head before Cam’s kiss”

Brisbane Lions official story

“Need money for Porsche”

Kai Lohmann on Instagram (as reported by ZeroHanger)

The contrasting tone — team pride and personal humour — captures Lohmann’s personality: serious on the field, playful off it.

Summary

Kai Lohmann has gone from a country kid in Maryborough to a two-time grand finalist and a rising star of the AFL. His shaved head became a symbol of his breakout season, but the real story is his consistent growth and the faith Brisbane has shown by extending his contract. For the Lions, the decision is clear: invest in a forward who delivers when it matters most, or risk losing him to a rival club in a few years.

Frequently asked questions