So, Essendon (Shiel) and Hawthorn (Gaff) are vying for the number 1 status as destination club of 2018/19. The advantage the Hawks have, is they play finals and are contending for flags. Very attractive prospect. Essendon look like a team on the rise. Combined with their great facilities, huge crowds etc they can be just as appealing.
According to Brasha Shiel has no interest in the Hawks and Essendon are heavily into him? Would be a good get even if he’s 26 next year. 5 years of solid footy ahead of him. By contrast, Gaff will be 27.
And who are the couple of players who want to come to Essendon, according to @Brasha 10 days ago? Wallis? …
I believe they can only match if they can fit the player in their salary cap. i.e. if the offer would bust the bank, they can’t match even if the plan is to then trade the player. Therefore, depending on the offer they might not be able to match and force a trade next year.
Did they ever talk about how that works? If you just have to match total years and total dollars, I reckon most teams would be able to match most offers. Sure, they might not have $1m spare next year, but how do you prove they won’t have $3m spare three years from now? Most of the team will have come out of contract by then.
Port’s Jared Polec is another weighing up a big offer from North Melbourne, while Essendon is keeping a close eye on Dayne Beams, Sam Reid and Mitch Wallis.
Forgot that rule. I think we need to trade out some fringe players to open list spots and give them opportunities. Could easily get a 3rd rounder back.