AFL Free Agency
WCE's have a couple of big names who are yet to make their decision.
Andrew Gaff and Jeremy McGovern
McGovern's value has sky rocketed since he signed his last contract and so he is due for some extra $$$. The question is whether WCE are going to be able to match the offers from other clubs. He is a restricted free agent which mean WCE have the right to retain him if they can match any other clubs offer. It's seems like hes wanting to stay in WA, but could he be lured to play with his brother in Adelaide or make the unthinkable cross to that other "football team", the Dockers? Only one other player has done it and that was at the inception of the team.
Gaff on the other hand is an east coaster and potential could look to relocate home. He's held off contract discussions until the end of the season and so not a lot is known about his intentions. I think this is more of a negotiation tactic than a sign of a potential move.
It's shaping up to be unlikely that we can keep both of theses stars but it would be a disaster if we lost them both. I think the outcome is going to be heavily influenced by how WC finish the season. It would be hard to leave a premiership or even grand final team to go and play for the Dockers. Maybe they sign 1 or 2 year extensions to ride the current wave of success?
What do you think they will do?
WCE other free agents include:
Mark LeCras
Scott Lycett (restricted)
Eric Mackenzie
Below is a link to a full list of all team's free agents:
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-03/on-the-market-free-agents-still-up-for-grabs
I wouldn't be shocked to see St Kilda make a play for Lycett. They seem to be screaming for a ruckman that can impose himself on a match, which Hickey and Longer don't seem to be able to do.
Lychett has improved a lot so it would be sad to see him go. Maybe a health Vardy could be a threat to some of his playing time. Plus probably a pay rise could see him go
I don't know anything about Longer and Hickey's contract status, but you would imagine that St Kilda will have a pretty thorough review of their list this year after some disappointing results...and a damning stat that I saw during the week is that opposition ruckmen have polled 43 coaches votes against the Saints, while Hickey & Longer have 8 between them