West Coast’s slow pace of negotiations to re-sign a revived gun midfielder could cost them dearly, with one rival putting $1.3 million on the table for next year alone.
Plus a look at the confirmed AFL mid-season draft prospects.
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West Coast upset Demons as Reid stars | 02:30
RIVAL’S SHOCK BID AS EAGLES LAG BEHIND IN MULTI-CLUB RACE
A brilliant return to his best form has seen West Coast’s Elliot Yeo land some mouth-watering offers to leave the nest, including $1.3 million for 2025 alone.
Seven Perth’s Ryan Daniels reports Adelaide has emerged as a frontrunner for the midfielder, who has battled serious injuries in recent years, seeing him play just 37 games across the last four seasons.
But amid an excellent campaign the Crows have placed a $2.7 million, three-year deal on the table, heavily front-loaded with $1.3 million to be paid out next year.
In contrast West Coast’s offer to re-sign Yeo is just two years and for far less money.
He was initially after just a two-year deal but the Eagles took their time to re-sign the 30-year-old and his value has now exploded.
The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph reported last month Yeo likely would’ve accepted a two-year, $1.1 million deal.
“All of a sudden, he might have to sacrifice seven or eight hundred thousand dollars to stay. I just reckon they (the Eagles) could’ve done it better,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.
Geelong and Essendon held interest in Yeo last year, and while it’s thought that Yeo would prefer to stay in the west, unless the gap in contract value closes he is set to consider his options.
The Eagles could still benefit from Yeo’s exit however. He is an unrestricted free agent and while his age would reduce the draft compensation given to the club, a contract in the range being offered by Adelaide could still see West Coast earn an end-of-first-round pick.
MID-SEASON DRAFT PROSPECTS CONFIRMED
Over 120 players have been confirmed for the mid-season draft, which will be held on Wednesday May 29.
While nominations are still open 127 players have been approved including a number who previously featured on AFL lists.
They include ex-Collingwood and now Footscray VFL player Trent Bianco, former Demon Kyle Dunkley, ex-Power tall Brynn Teakle and former Kangaroo Flynn Perez.
Dunkley, currently with Brisbane’s VFL side, was selected in the first version of the revived mid-season draft in 2019.
Fellow ex-AFL listed players in the mix include Arlo Draper (Collingwood), Jez McLennan (Gold Coast) and Osca Riccardi (Geelong).
Other notables are Kai Windsor, the older brother of Melbourne’s Caleb, and likely selections like Peel Thunder key defender Jacob Blight and Geelong Falcons ruck Joe Pike.
Source Agencies
