Webber tops rich list but Norman out

Mark Webber takes pole position on the Australian sports rich list. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Greg Norman has been dumped from the annual BRW magazine list of Australia's top sports earners after 15 years at the top with Mark Webber taking over at No 1.

While 55-year-old Norman would probably still top the list, BRW Rich List editors have made a decision that the earnings should be related to on-going sports performance not business-based.

And former world No1 Norman rarely plays a tournament these days.

"Former BRW Top Sports Earner List No1 Greg Norman has been removed from the list this year to reflect the continual slowdown in his playing commitments," a statement from BRW said.

Fourth last year, Webber leapfrogged last year's No2 Andrew Bogut to become the new top earner after raking in A$13.4 million ($17.2 million) during his stellar Formula One season. The 34-year-old won four grands prix and came third in the driver's championship.

NBA star Bogut was second for the second-straight year with A$12.6 million. Chad Reed was third (A$7.5 million), just ahead of fellow motorcycle star Casey Stoner (A$6.8 million)

Tennis star Samantha Stosur, who made it to the French Open final and finished the year ranked No6 in the world, is the only woman inside the top 50. Stosur earned A$2.9 million to be placed 15th on the list.

TOP AUSSIE EARNERS

1. Mark Webber (motorsport)
$17.2m

2. Andrew Bogut (basketball)
$16.2m

3. Chad Reed (motorsport)
$9.6m

4. Casey Stoner (motorsport)
$8.7m

5. Tim Cahill (soccer)
$5.4m

6. Marcos Ambrose (motorsport)
$5.4m

7. Adam Scott (golf)
$5.2m

8. Ricky Ponting (cricket)
$5m

9. Robert Allenby (golf)
$4.6m

10. Harry Kewell (soccer)
$4.5m

- AAP