Grundy was always going to retire at the end of this year, I reckon they saw his role this year to help transition/develop Melican as a key defender.
Smith was still playing good footy last year before his injury and looked to have more good footy ahead of him.
Mcveigh has been a legend and if fit this year still had heaps to offer.
Jack was still contracted for this year.
and.. We tried to trade in defenders (Moore & Langdon) but missed.
and yep.. We've now got all that Cash
I don't necessarily have an issue with Grundy, Smith and McVeigh, all warranted a spot on the list in 2019 with the view that 1-2 would be superseded through the year by one of the younger players.
Whoever signed Jack to a 3 year deal made a massive blunder
The question now is how well it is managed in 2020.
Grundy = Gone
McVeigh = Form still solid, body giving way
Smith = Form ? Body giving way
Jack = Body giving way hence drop in form
I respect them and thank them all for the massive effort that they've given the club over the years but personally I think they all should retire. It will be interesting to see where the club goes with it, maybe they retain McVeigh and Smith??