Astbury and Houli retire.
DES, Garth and Naish gone.
I'm unsure how the club rates (for differing reasons) the following, who I believe are all out of contract beyond this season: Stack, Ralph-Smith, Cumberland, Martyn (wouldn't shock to see one or two of these be let go, if we really like this draft).
Trade bait: Chol likely to move on (I'd rather keep), KMac could go back to Perth, particularly if we chase Cerra (again, I'd rather keep). And if Aarts and Parker play well, and with MRJ in the wings, it wouldn't be a complete shock to me to see a D Rioli or Castagna moved on if a club came sniffing.
In terms of contracted players, Caddy and Ross spring to mind as two who may be better seeking more opportunity elsewhere.
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I doubt Astbury retires, but i think his new contract will be pretty ordinary, he will effectively take "Garthwaites" role as mature back up role. He is only 30 years old. The end of his career will likely resemble that of Lachie Henderson, who is 31. Much lower pay packet, perhaps dropped to a rookie spot - but he will remain an option for us and have his chance to prove he can still play. I think his form has been pretty ordinary, but its looking like he has been carrying an achilles injury, so that surely has played a role
I don't think Naish will get cut - but he might want to explore his options for more opportunity. I hope he is not cut - unless someone out there wants to pay him double what we can offer him, i think he stays and we happily keep him.
I think Castagna is very sadly a big chance to leave, and perhaps KMac too. If it comes down to having to offer Bolton or Cerra a bit more to get their contract, then these guys have to be the collateral damage.
unsure on CCJ - do we really think anyone is going to offer him $400-500k? what is realistically the biggest contract he can be offered?
Caddy & Ross could be traded for cap space, if we need it. If we can get anyone to take Ross for a late pick, take it and free up the cap space.