Yeah, I think we were expecting Berger to go on a larger contract though. Does seem strange that WCE and BL both publicly slammed the new Compo formula even though it is more clear cut than before. The model is now publicly available (so no scheming behind closed doors from the AFL) and clubs shouldn't feel blindsided by what compo they could get.
Yeah agreed.
Its not like either player was really ever going to be worth a 1st rounder, and neither was even a fixed top 22 player this year. (both may have been if fully healthy all season, but its clear that both were overtaken in their position by others who stepped up).
The contracts offered really reflect the players value, and the compensation picks were clearly appropriate IMO. I guess the clubs public responses may have been expected - but both were being ridiculous.
What i will say is that I hate the whole concept of compo picks, and they are only needed/useful because there are still so many other things that need to be fixed in player movement.
A teams decision to match for a restricted free agent should have nothing to do with some artificial compensation you get for letting him go.