Football Pope
Norm Smith Medallist
- Sep 24, 2009
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I'd say it was possible that at some point the club was offering $225k and Yeo would only sign for $250k. If this was where negotiations were at beginning of 2013 I doubt many would have criticised the club for digging their heels in at that point.
By July-August 2013 when Yeo was entrenched in our first 22 and was one of a number of young players not signed beyond the year, many of which obviously ended up leaving, them I'm pretty sure even a dysfunctional club would have coughed up the extra money. But by then Yeo might have made up his mind not to re-sign.
It's also possible that Yeo wanted $250k for a one year extension a la Polec and Karnezis, while the club wanted a longer contract for obvious reasons.
One way or the other, I am very confident that Lyon's simplistic comments are not the whole story.
A lack of confidence in the Club and the direction it had chosen....Club had sacked Voss then replaced him with an untried Leppa who had failed to persuade them to stay.....On top of that.. experienced assistant coaches Harvey and Fletcher both had indicated they were leaving..unstable enviroment......West Coast had put a better offer on the table...
Yeo has played 27 games in two seasons since being taken with pick number 30 in the 2011 AFL Draft.
It is believed Victorians James Polkinghorne, Billy Longer and Sam Docherty are also contemplating leaving.
Their decision looks set to hinge on who the Lions appoint to replace ousted coach Michael Voss.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-19/yeo-wants-trade-away-from-brisbane-lions/4969872