That list was for this year earning which is why Mackay was 2nd with over a million since his contract was heavily front ended.Interesting take which you haven't backed up by any figures.
The AFL rich list released earlier this week lists the top 100 player salaries. Both Adelaide sides have 3 players represented, which is under the AFL average. None of last years recruits are coming on big money. By comparison, the Gold Coast have 6 players listed, and if the midpoint of estimates are accurate then the top 6 paid Gold Coast players are paid more combined than the top 6 players combined across Adelaide and Port.
Note this is the AFL media guesses based on chats with agents and clubs so its not exact, so we shouldn't read too much into it, but it has more substance than your unsubstantiated bum pluck.
The lowest band in the top 100 list is the $600-$700K bank and JHF or any of the Port recruits over the last 5 years are not listed there.