Can Essendon Maintain their playing list?

[TD]

In the Herald Sun today it talks about a new deal with Lloyd expected to be between $650k and $850k with Fletcher, Mercury, Lucas, Solomon, Rioli, M Johnson, Wellman and Barnard all out of contract at the end of the year.

This is obviously going to create severe salary cap problems, especially considering James Hird is amongst the top earners also. Obviously to keep as much of the current list as possible, players are going to have to accept much less than their market value. James Hird has already shown that he is prepared to do this, as has Hardwick, but many others will need to follow this lead if Essendon are to remain such a powerful team.

My thoughts are that the current Bomber lineup are keen to stay together, they are a tight knit unit who are hungry for success. But how long will it be like this. Loyalty to your teammates only goes so far, and if we win the premiership in 2001, will many of these players have satisfied their hunger for success and decide to pursue the dollar or would they still be prepared to accept less than their worth for the good of the team? What if we don’t win the flag, will they still be hungry enough to hang around.

I’m just a little concerned that we will see a mass exodus at the club if we satisfy the hunger for success. What do you guys think?

 

[walshy1993]

fletcher has already signed, for 4 years (i think) so that crosses him off the list


mercuri and hird will next year be alligible for veterns list (i think) cause ten years will be up, so only half their wage will be in the cap

rioli, m.johnson, wellman, solomon all have the same manager (an ex-ess person) so im sure something will be worked out there

obviously its silly to think that we wont lose anyone, but im pretty sure that the majority of the list will stick together

 

[windyhill]

I think Scotty Lucas will leave,not happy at this as he is one of my all time favourites,but something has to give.The 95% rule could work in our favour,if some other filth bag team wants Scotty they would have to get rid of two or three on their list.

 

[James2]

A few points:

1) Fletcher hasn't signed a contract yet.

2) Don't believe the prices speculated in the paper.

3) Part of Lloyd's wage will comprise marketing, which is not included in the salary cap.

4) Unfortunately, Mercuri and Hird do not qualify for the veteran's list. You must have played 10 consecutive years and be over 30 years of age. Neither are over 30, therefore do not qualify.

Cheers.

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"Strangely enough, in the midst of change, the present course may often be the most risky one. It may only serve to perpetuate the irrelevancy."

 

[TD]

Originally posted by windyhill:
I think Scotty Lucas will leave,not happy at this as he is one of my all time favourites,but something has to give.The 95% rule could work in our favour,if some other filth bag team wants Scotty they would have to get rid of two or three on their list.

I think Scotty would prefer to stay, but I could see him being offered for trade bait. I hope he does stay (although I think his attitude needs work, he seems lazy). Didn't he just sign a new contract last year anyway?

 

[walshy1993]

Originally posted by James2:
A few points:

1) Fletcher hasn't signed a contract yet.


4) Unfortunately, Mercuri and Hird do not qualify for the veteran's list. You must have played 10 consecutive years and be over 30 years of age. Neither are over 30, therefore do not qualify.

Cheers.

fletcher has or is close to signing, in a deal which is meant to make him the highest payed defender in the comp

as for hird and merc, sorry i thought it was either, not both

 

[windyhill]

S.Lucas and M.Lloyd had different lenghths of contracts.Lloydy`s last contract was only for two years which meant he now comes out of contract at the same time as Scott.The two are great mates and have a great understanding between each other. I would spew if they were split up.
M.lloyd is obviously being groomed as captain,Windy Hill would burn if we lost him (me lighting the match)would he take a little less to give Scotty a little more ? probably would I reckon.

 

[Dan26]

I think we will keep them all. Historically, not many players leave solely for money. It's not like the NBA where the chopping-and-changing of teams is enourmous.

They also seem to be a pretty close group of players.

Don't worry. We'll keep them.