Dave
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Are they the new North?Pretty sure the saints are talking to 700 players.
When will we see Draper play seniors I'm guessing not till the half way point of next season?
Essendon have warded off huge interest from St Kilda in young ruck prodigy Sam Draper as they move to sign him on a new multi-year deal.
The Herald Sun understands Draper will ignore a four-year deal from St Kilda to instead sign a deal that is expected to be as long as three season at the Dons.
The 203cm ruckman has made a commitment to stay at Essendon with negotiations close on a deal that will hand him crucial security as he comes off a May ACL tear.
Draper, a former defender and rising star in Adelaide soccer circles, had only played the game for a single season before being drafted by Essendon in the 2016 rookie draft.
But in his 2018 VFL season he had 40 hit-outs on seven occasions with three games of more than 60 hit-outs.
He had started the 2019 season in electric form before tearing his ACL in a contest against Geelong at the MCG.
Essendon has contracted ruckman Tom Bellchambers returning next year but their experiment with ex-Fremantle ruck Zac Clarke has been problematic with his form modest at best.
But Draper should be ready to resume by the start of next season as he pushes for an AFL debut.
St Kilda was prepared to offer as much as $1.4 million in guaranteed money and some lucrative incentives for him to cross town in a bold move to secure ruck depth.
But Essendon will hope it has re-signed a player who could be their first ruck for the next decade, with the Dons also in negotiations with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti on a new contract.
He has interest from clubs including the Western Bulldogs and Carlton and while his best form has been exceptional he has only two goals in the club’s nine losses for the year.
The ruck market could be turbulent this off-season with Paddy Ryder, Sam Jacobs and Wylie Buzza all off contract and speculation about the future of Fremantle’s ruck set up.
“It was an easy decision to sign on with the Bombers. I’m really committed to this football club in our pursuit for success. I’m thankful for the faith the Club has shown in me early in my career and I am looking forward to seeing what this group can achieve over the coming years.”Confirmed. 4 Year deal.
Emerging ruck re-signs
Young ruckman Sam Draper has extended his contract with the Bombers for a further four years.www.essendonfc.com.au
Interesting comment re: Freo.
Interesting comment re: Freo.
They have Sandi, Lobb, Darcy and Jones.
Anyone else i'm missing?
Draper is great to have around as a good prospect. I'd be keen on any of those latter 3 to come in (Lobb would be awesome given he can play fwd when not rucking).
Cheapskate.What does it say? Pay wall/
Speculation about their ruck setup.What does it say? Pay wall/
Speculation about their ruck setup.
"The ruck market could be turbulent this off-season with Paddy Ryder, Sam Jacobs and Wylie Buzza all off contract and speculation about the future of Fremantle’s ruck set up."
I don't know what or how much water needs to go under the bridge to get Ryder back. Or if he's worth it in the grand scheme of things
If Lobb/Darcy became available - i'd be keen. Particularly Lobb, because he's a decent forward target too and i can see both Draper and Lobb in the same team.
ex-Geelong boy if memory serves.Lobb just went there why would he be leaving after 1 year? Sandi is about to retire and with Hogans future in doubt they will wanna hold onto Lobb desperately. Darcy is also required by them unless he wants to leave for some reason? Is he a melb boy?