Clubs eye Roo father-son
Jake Niall
May 13, 2012
RIVAL clubs have expressed interest in North Melbourne's highly-rated potential father-son Luke McDonald, whose father, North football department chief, Donald McDonald has removed himself from negotiations with the club over his son's future.
North is expected to commit to McDonald a year before he is eligible for the draft and perhaps secure him on a long-term contract, to head off interest.
Collingwood and Gold
Coast head the list of clubs that have inquired about whether McDonald - a prospective top five draft pick
next
year - could be available as one of the prized 17-year-olds who Greater Western Sydney must trade this year.
North Melbourne confirmed last night that Donald McDonald had placed all discussions in the hands of his manager, Paul Connors, to remove himself from any conflict of interest.
North said the club's negotiations over McDonald would be handled by the club's list manager Cameron Joyce, recruiting manager Bryce Lewis and, if necessary, chief executive Eugene Arocca.
North's situation with McDonald, a genuine utility who plays for Oakleigh Chargers, is similar to that of Melbourne and its father-son recruit Jack Viney, whose father is also employed by his club. Viney jnr secured a five-year deal, as did Barry Mitchell's son, Tom, whom the Swans recruited with their first pick, via the bidding system for father-sons, in last year's national draft.
One complication for players in Luke McDonald's position is that he would receive an extra year's payment of about $70,000 if he chooses to
enter
the ''mini draft'' for GWS's two remaining 17-year-olds and was traded to another club. GWS must trade these 17-years-olds for either players or picks this year.
''I've had dialogue with North,'' said Connors. ''We'll be meeting in the near future to discuss Luke's possible recruitment.'' McDonald jnr has been to the club for training and received some tutelage from former midfielder and development coach Brady Rawlings.