http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,22064525-2722,00.html
Saints' retirement option for Hamill Font Size: Decrease Increase Print Page: Print Greg Denham | July 13, 2007
ST KILDA star Aaron Hamill's latest injury setback is set to turn up the heat on the club's salary-cap pressures as it seeks to re-sign several of its big names.
After failing yet another comeback from a knee injury this month, Hamill is unlikely to play again. However, he is on a guaranteed contract for 2008, worth as much as $600,000.
St Kilda is not publicly talking about pushing him into retirement yet, but it may become a reality to ease salary-cap pressure next season. The club has yet to come to terms with Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo and Xavier Clarke, who are all out of contract at the end of this season.
Hamill's contract for 2008 could place severe pressure on the Saints' ability to retain one or two of their most experienced players.
St Kilda re-signed Hamill to a lucrative five-year deal, starting in 2004, which was heavily back-ended in the final year.
Hamill's manager David Allison yesterday said he had not been in contact with the Saints following his client's latest setback, but conceded it was likely Hamill, who turns 30 next month, could be asked to retire and accept a payout for less money.
"His deal is unconditional, but I'm happy to listen to what they (St Kilda) have got to say," Allison said.
If Hamill's career is cut short, he would have a choice of cutting his losses at a reduced rate, or staying on at his contracted remuneration but would have to be listed and continue to rehabilitate for another 12 months.
The Saints are unlikely to announce Hamill's retirement before the November national draft because next year's payout would have to be included in this year's salary cap.
Hamill's knee flared again after he made a comeback in the VFL almost a fortnight ago.
He kicked four goals in the lower grade in what was considered to be a stepping stone to a senior return for tonight's game against Adelaide.
Despite growing concerns that Hamill's career is finished, coach Ross Lyon this week remained optimistic.
"There's no doubt when the senior members of the team thought he was back the other week, they were through the roof," Lyon said. "He's a valuable resource, to have him on the ground would have some obvious benefits."
Hamill visited his surgeon on Tuesday, and although St Kilda has not passed on the results of the examination, he has since been listed as "indefinite".
"It just hasn't settled perfectly, but we think it will," Lyon said. "He won't play this week but he is progressing with a view to playing next week for (VFL affiliate club) Casey."
Lyon said the club was prepared to give Hamill as much time as he needed, as long as there was some hope of recovery. Hamill, who is perched on 98 games for St Kilda after crossing from Carlton at the end of 2000, has been restricted to just 21 senior games over the past three seasons.
Last season, Hamill damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in a collision with Geelong's Steve Johnson in round seven. He returned for the Saints' final three games, including their elimination final loss to Melbourne but was clearly not 100 per cent. Hamill had a setback in February, requiring further knee surgery.
"If the knee can't settle and he can't play ... the season's fading quickly," Lyon said. "Then we consult everyone, take it all on board and then map out a course that we can follow with an aim to Aaron playing senior football.
"We're persisting and persevering with an aim to seeing him back.
"The only thing that can enforce retirement is if there is no hope.
"But the consistent feedback we're getting from the surgeons is that there are a lot worse knees playing AFL football and tolerating the load."