rfctigerarmy
15 Oct 2003, 19:36
No hard feelings: Miller
Paul Gough
afl.com.au
5:22:32 PM Wed 15 October, 2003
Richmond football director Greg Miller says the Tigers have no ill-feelings towards Essendon star Dean Solomon after the Bombers’ defender made a last minute decision to reject the Tigers and stay at Windy Hill on Wednesday.
Instead the Tigers are now concentrating on luring disgruntled Bulldog Nathan Brown to Punt Road and believe they are making progress in sealing that deal ahead of Friday’s 2pm deadline.
The Tigers were believed to have offered Solomon a four year deal worth about $1.6 million in a move which infuriated the Bombers.
But just six days after quitting Essendon, Solomon agreed to a new year three deal with the Bombers on Wednesday – believed to be worth about $900,000.
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy even accused the Tigers’ of “stuffing up football” during Monday’s trade day after Solomon at that stage appeared to be leaving the club where he played in a premiership in 2000.
However despite the Tigers’ big offer and Miller personally flying to London – where Solomon is in holiday – to speak to the 24-year-old Bomber, Solomon announced early on Wednesday morning that he had decided to remain with Essendon.
Miller told afl.com.au on Wednesday the Tigers did not regret approaching the tough Bomber and bore no ill-will towards him, despite his late change of heart.
“We aimed high but it didn’t happen,” Miller said of the Tigers’ bid to lure Solomon away from Essendon.
“We gave it our best shot.”
“Dean is a quality person and we understood his loyalty towards Essendon.”
“We respect his decision and whilst we are disappointed, we wish him all the best for the future.”
The Tigers can now concentrate all their energies on securing the exciting Brown, ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Miller confirmed the Tigers would be prepared to offer both their first and second round draft selections (pick six and 21) for the star Bulldog, who the Tigers see as an answer to their lack of strikepower and over-reliance on Matthew Richardson in attack.
Brown, who at 25 is at the peak of his 137 game career, kicked 56 goals this season in a side which finished on the bottom of the ladder.
However while the Tigers are still yet to secure Brown with less than two days remaining in the trading period, the first step in that process is becoming close to a reality.
And that is the Tigers’ off-loading key forward Ben Holland to Melbourne in exchange for the Demons second round draft selection (pick 20).
That would then enable the Tigers to still have a second round pick in the November 22 national draft, even if it gives its own first two draft selections to the Bulldogs in exchange for Brown.
“There is nothing signed yet but we are pretty sure that will happen,” Miller said of Holland moving to Melbourne in exchange for pick 20.
The Tigers have also been linked to West Coast midfielder Phillip Read.
Paul Gough
afl.com.au
5:22:32 PM Wed 15 October, 2003
Richmond football director Greg Miller says the Tigers have no ill-feelings towards Essendon star Dean Solomon after the Bombers’ defender made a last minute decision to reject the Tigers and stay at Windy Hill on Wednesday.
Instead the Tigers are now concentrating on luring disgruntled Bulldog Nathan Brown to Punt Road and believe they are making progress in sealing that deal ahead of Friday’s 2pm deadline.
The Tigers were believed to have offered Solomon a four year deal worth about $1.6 million in a move which infuriated the Bombers.
But just six days after quitting Essendon, Solomon agreed to a new year three deal with the Bombers on Wednesday – believed to be worth about $900,000.
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy even accused the Tigers’ of “stuffing up football” during Monday’s trade day after Solomon at that stage appeared to be leaving the club where he played in a premiership in 2000.
However despite the Tigers’ big offer and Miller personally flying to London – where Solomon is in holiday – to speak to the 24-year-old Bomber, Solomon announced early on Wednesday morning that he had decided to remain with Essendon.
Miller told afl.com.au on Wednesday the Tigers did not regret approaching the tough Bomber and bore no ill-will towards him, despite his late change of heart.
“We aimed high but it didn’t happen,” Miller said of the Tigers’ bid to lure Solomon away from Essendon.
“We gave it our best shot.”
“Dean is a quality person and we understood his loyalty towards Essendon.”
“We respect his decision and whilst we are disappointed, we wish him all the best for the future.”
The Tigers can now concentrate all their energies on securing the exciting Brown, ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Miller confirmed the Tigers would be prepared to offer both their first and second round draft selections (pick six and 21) for the star Bulldog, who the Tigers see as an answer to their lack of strikepower and over-reliance on Matthew Richardson in attack.
Brown, who at 25 is at the peak of his 137 game career, kicked 56 goals this season in a side which finished on the bottom of the ladder.
However while the Tigers are still yet to secure Brown with less than two days remaining in the trading period, the first step in that process is becoming close to a reality.
And that is the Tigers’ off-loading key forward Ben Holland to Melbourne in exchange for the Demons second round draft selection (pick 20).
That would then enable the Tigers to still have a second round pick in the November 22 national draft, even if it gives its own first two draft selections to the Bulldogs in exchange for Brown.
“There is nothing signed yet but we are pretty sure that will happen,” Miller said of Holland moving to Melbourne in exchange for pick 20.
The Tigers have also been linked to West Coast midfielder Phillip Read.