vanders
Brownlow Medallist
Hay Hawk deal close
By Mike Sheahan
Thursday, December 20, 2001
HAWTHORN is poised to extend its hold on its hottest property, Jonathan Hay, until after the 2005 season.
The Hawks have reached an in-principle agreement with Hay`s management for a three-year extension of the current agreement, which expires after the 2002 season.
He is expected to earn $1.5 million during the next four years.
Hay, 22, has been targeted by both West Coast and Fremantle -- he was recruited from East Fremantle -- but he and his management are understood to have been far more positive about a future in Melbourne.
It is yet more good news for the Hawks, whose future looks brighter by the week.
Hay had become the priority on Hawthorn`s list, given his age, talent, height (196cm) and experience (85 games).
The Hawks sent business development manager and former football operations manager John Hook to Perth earlier this week to finalise the deal with Hay`s manager and accountant Peter Christie, who also manages Ken Judge.
Christie was reluctant to comment yesterday, other than to say: ``We`re very close.`` Hawthorn chief executive Michael Brown said last night the Hay deal was nearing completion.
Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace said during the finals this year Hay would be his first pick in a free market.
Wallace said tall, aggressive defenders were a rare commodity in the modern game.
Brown said: ``The opportunity to secure a player of Jon`s quality is very important to our club.
``He`s the sort of guy you build a team round. He represents the young players we have developed in recent years.
``He sees his long-term future at our club, which is great for us.`` Brown said Hay`s brother, Leigh, and his wife Tania and their children would relocate to Melbourne in the new year.
Hay, full-back in the 2001 Team of the Year, finished sixth in Hawthorn`s best and fairest after finishing joint seventh in 2000
By Mike Sheahan
Thursday, December 20, 2001
HAWTHORN is poised to extend its hold on its hottest property, Jonathan Hay, until after the 2005 season.
The Hawks have reached an in-principle agreement with Hay`s management for a three-year extension of the current agreement, which expires after the 2002 season.
He is expected to earn $1.5 million during the next four years.
Hay, 22, has been targeted by both West Coast and Fremantle -- he was recruited from East Fremantle -- but he and his management are understood to have been far more positive about a future in Melbourne.
It is yet more good news for the Hawks, whose future looks brighter by the week.
Hay had become the priority on Hawthorn`s list, given his age, talent, height (196cm) and experience (85 games).
The Hawks sent business development manager and former football operations manager John Hook to Perth earlier this week to finalise the deal with Hay`s manager and accountant Peter Christie, who also manages Ken Judge.
Christie was reluctant to comment yesterday, other than to say: ``We`re very close.`` Hawthorn chief executive Michael Brown said last night the Hay deal was nearing completion.
Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace said during the finals this year Hay would be his first pick in a free market.
Wallace said tall, aggressive defenders were a rare commodity in the modern game.
Brown said: ``The opportunity to secure a player of Jon`s quality is very important to our club.
``He`s the sort of guy you build a team round. He represents the young players we have developed in recent years.
``He sees his long-term future at our club, which is great for us.`` Brown said Hay`s brother, Leigh, and his wife Tania and their children would relocate to Melbourne in the new year.
Hay, full-back in the 2001 Team of the Year, finished sixth in Hawthorn`s best and fairest after finishing joint seventh in 2000
