‘20k short’ deal could blow up free agent’s move; Dons’ huge deal ask: Trade Whispers
The departure of a top free agent has been exacerbated by the fact that Essendon’s current wage offer is unlikely to trigger top-band AFL compensation.
Plus, the Bombers’ unexpected request for a young defender and Collingwood’s perplexing post-flag calls.
Trade Whispers has the most recent AFL player movement news!
THE ’20K SHORT’ DEAL MAY BLOW UP THE FREE AGENT’S MOVE
According to Jon Ralph of the Herald Sun, Essendon’s current offer for free agent Ben McKay may not be enough to trigger the first-round compensation that will see North Melbourne accept his departure.
While the exact herbs and spices of the AFL’s remuneration formula are undisclosed and constantly changing, Ralph reports that the Bombers are now providing McKay a salary of “$780,000 plus some incentives and triggers.”
That is less than the amount required to trigger first-band compensation two years ago, and the trigger figure should have climbed in tandem with the wage ceiling.
North Melbourne is willing to match an offer for the restricted free agent if it is clear that they will not receive Pick 3 (first-band compensation after their natural pick of 2), because the alternative is accepting a pick in the 20s (an end-of-first-round pick that would fall backwards due to bid matching).
It puts the McKay situation on the verge of collapse.
“From what I understand, the guaranteed element of this contract is less than $800,000.” “The Hawks offered more and for a longer period of time, so it’s around $780,000 plus some incentives and triggers – but that’s not normally enough to trigger first-round compensation,” Ralph explained on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.
“Essendon stated that we will pay you what you are worth rather than what triggers the first-round compo. So, unless the AFL shows up or softens the contract, the Roos and Alastair Clarkson may have to make a hard decision on matching that one.
“You needed to reach $790,000 two years ago.” We’ve already had 10% wage increases this year and 5% next year.
“Clubs will ask the AFL’s salary boss, Ned Guy, what the price point is this week.” Right now, I don’t believe Ben McKay’s price is appropriate.
“Clarkson has said we will (play), we don’t have any defenders, it’d be pick 19 rather than pick 20, which would be pushed back to aroun.”
“You needed to reach $790,000 two years ago.” We’ve already had 10% wage increases this year and 5% next year.
“Clubs will ask the AFL’s salary boss, Ned Guy, what the price point is this week.” Right now, I don’t believe Ben McKay’s price is appropriate.
“Clarkson has said we will (play), we don’t have any defenders, it’d be pick 19 rather than pick 20, which would be pushed back to aroun.”
ASK DONS FOR A HUGE DEAL
In exchange for teenage defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Essendon has asked Port Adelaide for a first-round pick.
After 51 career games, including 22 with the Bombers this season, the 25-year-old is eager to return to South Australia.
However, because of their highly busy 2022 trading period, which saw them trade out future selections, the Power don’t have many picks to work with when attempting to capture their current objectives of Zerk-Thatcher, Geelong tall Esava Ratugolea, and Bulldogs ruckman Jordon Sweet.
They control picks 38, 44, and 71, as well as their 2024 potential first-round pick, which is likely to be traded or divided, and the Bombers’ unusually high asking price will make things more difficult.
“The Essendon demand right now is a first-rounder from Port Adelaide … they’re saying the best pick you have right now is pick 38 in a really poor draft, gets pushed back to 45,” Jon Ralph stated on the couch.
“Right now, Port Adelaide is attempting to appease the Cats on Esava Ratugolea and the Dogs on Jordon Sweet.” It won’t be a big trade season, but the fighting will be amazing.”
The Bombers’ asking price astounded Melbourne legend Garry Lyon, who replied, “Did he change his name to Brandon Zerk-Fletcher? “Boost it!”
TOUGH CALLS AFTER FLAG WIN FOR MAGPIES
Collingwood must now make difficult decisions on the futures of some out-of-contract players after extolling their squad mindset that propelled them to a title.
The Magpies have eight players out of contract, but according to Seven, Josh Carmichael is expected to secure a new deal after a solid season at VFL level.
Trent Bianco, Trey Ruscoe, Tom Wilson, Cooper Murley, Arlo Draper, Aiden Begg, and Will Kelly – the son of Magpies CEO Craig – are the remaining players.
